Performance by three musicians from the New York Arabic Orchestra who will collaborate with two reciters, Hani Bawardi and Rita Elojail Zihenni, to celebrate the literary contributions of the early Arabic-speaking community in Lower Manhattan. Predominantly Syrian and Lebanese, these early writers formed a literary association called al Rabitah al Qalamiyah (the Pen Bond), among whose founders was famed author, poet and artist Kahlil Gibran. The musicians will integrate their classical Arabic music with the poetry readings, using traditional musical instruments.