Where a ThousandMelodies Meet.
Music of Iran, Anatolia, the Balkans, and Latin America — 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 Anatolia, the Balkans, Latin America, and Iran.
Nearly four decades later, that musical journey is still unfolding.
The Main Years
Over the years, 1001 Nights Orchestra evolved through many lineups, with musicians joining, departing, and leaving their own imprint on the ensemble.
Along the way, the orchestra recorded several albums and launched a sister project, Ojala, bringing Middle Eastern repertoire into conversation with Latin American melodies and rhythms.
The ensemble also composed and performed an award-winning original score for the 1924 silent-film classic The Thief of Bagdad.
Beyond the stage, 1001 Nights Orchestra collaborated with community organizations to help 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 — from Iran and Anatolia to the Balkans and Latin America — shaped by the personalities, experiences, and musical voices of the players who carry it forward.
What began as a gathering of musicians in Austin has become something enduring: a meeting place for cultures, generations, and melodies.
The repertoire keeps growing. The lineup keeps evolving. And after nearly four decades, there are still more nights — and more music — ahead.
Featured Media
Listen before the lights go down.
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 the night
to your stage.
Weddings, festivals, gallery openings, silent-film scores and private galas — from an intimate quartet to a larger ensemble.
Inquire About Booking