Timothy Maloof, oud; Lina Kaisey, vocals and cello; David Martinelli, derbeki, riqq and bendir; Scarlett Malekian, violin; Sophia Malekian, violin.
Timothy Maloof, founder of the Saffron Ensemble, will lead an expanded five-member group in performances of traditional Arabic music at two Pasadena libraries this April, celebrating Arab American Heritage Month with a musical journey spanning from the 14th century to contemporary compositions.
The traditionally three-member ensemble has added two violinist students for these special performances, showcasing both ancestral musical forms and Maloof’s commitment to mentorship.
“I founded the Saffron Ensemble in 2008, and we’ve had many different members and many different performances, I mean dozens and dozens of performances. And we’ve always played for cultural events, private concerts for just parties, whatnot,” said Maloof, who identifies as both an educator and musician.
The performances align with Pasadena’s broader celebration of Arab American Heritage Month, embracing the national theme “Arab American Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” Concerts will take place Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m. at the Allendale Branch Library and Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m. at the La Pintoresca Branch Library.
Maloof’s ensemble performs classical Arabic music using the traditional Arabic musical system known as Maqam, preserving centuries-old traditions while making them accessible to diverse audiences.
“We do perform classical Arabic music spanning one of our oldest pieces from the 14th century, and up until fairly contemporary. But it’s all in the classical tradition utilizing the Arabic musical system, using Maqam,” Maloof explained.
The expanded ensemble for these performances includes sisters Scarlett and Sophia Malekian, students of Maloof, highlighting the importance of teacher-student relationships in preserving cultural music traditions.
“How we contribute to preservation is that we perform this music that is performed in a traditional manner with the traditional instruments that it’s akin to Western classical music. It needs to be studied and taught. So the tradition is not lost,” said Maloof.
As a multifaceted professional with degrees in music from California State University, Los Angeles, Maloof’s career spans composing film music, performing with various ensembles including the Los Angeles Arab Orchestra, and even working as a guitar technician for rock band Weezer. Beyond music, he has earned recognition in the culinary world, having served as the opening chef at Elf restaurant in Los Angeles, which received Michelin Guide recognition.
This diversity of experience reflects Maloof’s bicultural identity and philosophy on cultural preservation.
“I have my one foot in American culture, one foot in Lebanese Arabic culture. And that’s just like language and food. It’s always constantly changing. I don’t think we should resist change, but we should not forget the past either,” he said.
The timing of these performances carries particular significance for Maloof, who believes in the importance of Arab American visibility in the current social climate.
“I think it’s important for this ensemble to present in a traditional way. I feel like it’s particularly important as of late. I feel like our voices should not be drowned out, pushed down, suppressed. But that’s what brought me to performing Arabic music in the first place. I feel like I’d rather promote something positive than to be against something,” Maloof said.
These performances offer Pasadena residents a rare opportunity to experience classical Arabic music that bridges centuries and cultures, illustrating how traditions can be both preserved and allowed to evolve naturally across generations.
