Contemporary Improvisation ensemble Alfaia has placed third at the M-Prize Competition in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The group will take home a $3,000 prize for the Senior Open division. In its first year, the M-Prize, housed at University of Michigan, presents an unusual combination of conventional chamber music such as string quartets, and an "Open" category for less traditional configurations. Founded in 2013 and selected as New England Conservatory’s 2014–2015 “Wild Card” Honors Ensemble, the Alfaia ensemble is composed of pianist Henrique Eisenmann '12 M.M. (currently pursuing NEC's D.M.A.), oud player Kenan Adnawi (currently pursuing NEC’s M.M.), saxophonist Gustavo D’Amico '16 M.M., and bassist Kirsten Lamb '15 M.M. Percussionist Tareq Rantisi has recently joined the group and participated in this competition with them. The group’s NEC faculty coach is accordionist, keyboard player, and composer Ted Reichman. Alfaia explores the meeting points between Middle Eastern, North and South American music. They arrive at their sound through traditional performance practices, original composition, and contemporary approaches to instrumental techniques and improvisation. Collectively, Alfaia represents Brazilian, Syrian, Palestinian, and American cultures. Drawing on their international musical influences, they work together to create musical diplomacy, engaging audiences with a fusion of Syrian melodies, Brazilian and Middle Eastern rhythms, and jazz harmony. They have performed extensively all over the globe as individuals and a group. Alfaia’s coach Ted Reichman discussed what the win means for the group. “Alfaia is a truly unique combination of musical styles played with passion and great virtuosity. It is an incredible honor for this unclassifiable group—which could only have come together in New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Improvisation department—to be recognized in a competition of this scope.”