Kira Weiss

Bio

Kira Weiss holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from UC Santa Barbara. Her research examines the transformation of the concept of Arab music (al-mūsīqa al-'arabiyya) in Egypt over the past century, engaging with issues of nationalism, Orientalism, class, and gender. The central case study of her dissertation examines the adoption of new instruments in Arab music ensembles and the role of instrumentalists in shaping the trajectory of Arab music.

Kira conducted research in Cairo from 2022 to 2026 with support from the Fulbright Program and the American Research Center in Egypt. She was also a fellow at the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (Advanced) and is fluent in Egyptian Arabic. As a cellist, Kira performs with several Arab music ensembles, including one of the national ensembles at the Cairo Opera House.