Texas resident Jamal Daniel is chairman of The Levantine Foundation in Houston. As chairman, Jamal Daniel is involved with promoting the culture and knowledge of this region that extends from Syria to Egypt. The Levantine Foundation’s initiative is carried out in various ways such as hosting cultural events like the Levantine Symphony. Through the New Levantine Initiative (NLI), the foundation aims to share the interconnected architectural, culinary, musical, and artistic contributions of the people who live in this region while focusing on the cosmopolitan and commercial history that is a part of defining this vibrant culture, and the symphony is a part of this effort. The symphony introduces renowned trumpeter and composer Ibrahim Maalouf who performs his Levantine Symphony No1. This work combines the musical traditions of the Levantine region with the traditions of the musician-composer’s French upbringing. The piece is described as both musical composition and ode to the Levant, being both delicate and powerful. It also contains elements of both the classical music that is a part of its identity and the modern music that is universal across cultures.