Tristan Driessens & Simon Leleux present solo performances centered around their instruments: the oud and the doholla. These two passionate artists have been colleagues for years, working with Refugees for Refugees, the Lâmekân Ensemble, and the Seyir Trio. In this double concert, they leave each other to their own devices in the most challenging format: a solo performance that showcases the wide range of expressive possibilities of their instruments. The end of the concert will inevitably be celebrated with a duo.

SIMON LELEUX

Simon Leleux specialized in the doholla, darbuka, and other Arabic and Middle Eastern percussion instruments and styles, focusing since 2014 on the study of the doholla (bass darbuka) with the musician who innovated with this instrument, Levent Yildirim. Following Yildirim’s philosophy, Simon’s work with the doholla has led him to a soloist and melodic approach to the instrument. He released his first solo album, “Letter to Levent.”

TRISTAN DRIESSENS

Over the past ten years, Tristan Driessens has successfully worked as an oud player and artistic director in various large ensembles, including Soolmaan and Toasaves. Although Tristan Driessens specialized in classical Ottoman music with Turkish master Necati Çelik, he increasingly broadens his musical horizons with intercultural elements, including medieval, classical, and Persian music.