Where a ThousandMelodies Meet.
Music of the Middle East, Latin America and the Balkans — brought together by one enduring Austin ensemble.
The Story in Three Chapters
Where it started, how it grew, and where it's going.
The Inception
In 1987, inside Austin’s storied Chicago House, a circle of musicians began gathering to play, experiment, and improvise together. Before long, those sessions became 1001 Nights Orchestra.
What began with Persian folk and popular music soon expanded into something broader: a living repertoire shaped by the musical traditions of the Middle East, Latin America and the Balkans.
Nearly four decades later, that musical journey is still unfolding.
The Growth Years
Over the years, 1001 Nights Orchestra evolved through many lineups, each musician leaving an imprint on the ensemble.
Along the way it recorded several albums and launched a sister project, Ojalá, bringing Middle Eastern repertoire into conversation with Latin American melodies and rhythms.
The ensemble also composed and performed an award-winning score for the 1924 silent classic The Thief of Bagdad.
Beyond the stage, it helped create Austin’s annual Nowruz celebrations at Central Market, bringing music, culture and community together around the Persian New Year.
Still Unfolding.
Today, 1001 Nights Orchestra continues to evolve while staying rooted in the traditions that first brought the group together.
The ensemble’s sound still moves freely across borders—shaped by the personalities, experiences, and musical voices of the players who carry it forward.
The repertoire keeps growing. The lineup keeps evolving. There are still more nights — and more music — ahead.
Featured Media
Explore Our Sound.
Sample the repertoire, then find full albums on your streaming service of choice.
On Stage Soon
Upcoming Shows
Next dates coming soon
Between seasons, the orchestra plays for you.
Weddings, galas, festivals and private evenings — bring the ensemble to your event while the next public dates are being set.
Bring us
to your stage.
Weddings, festivals, gallery openings, silent-film scores and private galas — from an intimate quartet to a larger ensemble.
Inquire About Booking