Zade is the stage name of Zade Dirani, a Jordanian pianist and composer. He works in music shaped by Arabic influence and cross-cultural collaboration, and he studies at the National Music Conservatory in Amman and the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Career and performances

Zade performs internationally, with audiences in the Middle East, Europe and the United States. After September 11, he begins a house-concert tour across America and plays in public places in an effort to encourage greater understanding of his culture in the West. Since then, he performs at a high volume of dates each year.

He receives support from King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania and Queen Noor, and he performs for figures including Queen Elizabeth, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and Laura Bush.

Recordings

He releases three CDs. His debut self-titled album appears in 2003, produced by Will Ackerman, with guest appearances from musicians including Charlie Bisharat, Chris Chaney, Gabriel Gordon and Imane Houmsey. It stays on the Billboard charts for 13 weeks.

His second album, Roads to You, appears in the United States in 2004. It features Arabic and Latin influences, is performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, and is recorded in Miami, Beirut, Prague and Los Angeles with more than 100 musicians involved. It remains on the Billboard charts for more than 20 weeks. A track from the album, “Kingdom of Peace,” is used during the 2006 Winter Olympics as the Japanese female figure skating team competes.

His third CD, Beautiful World, draws on his Middle Eastern heritage.

Projects and recognition

In 2006, under the patronage of Queen Noor of Jordan and in partnership with Berklee College of Music and Seeds of Peace, Zade launches Roads to You: Celebration of One World in Washington, DC. The project brings together 40 musicians from 18 countries, including performers from war-torn regions, and combines concerts with more than 100 cultural presentations at educational and community events.

He receives the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Distinguished Achievements Award in 2004 for work promoting global understanding through the arts. He also receives the Jordanian Ministry of Education Award for the Arts and the Arab-American Music, Art, and Literature Award.

Foundation

Zade founds the Zade Foundation for International Peace and Understanding, which aims to help young musicians share their cultures and develop as peace builders and community leaders.