When the Italian singer Maria Mazzotta and the Albanian Redi Hasa came to Muziekpublique to present their first album, the almost perfect dialogue between voice and cello made a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be present. In their new project, Novilunio, Maria’s voice and Redi’s rhythmical cello melodies draw on the ancient stories and power of traditional songs from the Balkans and the South of Italy. However, the duo’s compositions are more than just copies of traditional pieces, they are the result of a deep love of enquiry and creation.

The unusual collaboration between these two artistes who strengthen and inspire each other is guaranteed to generate strong emotions. The colours, tastes, scents, lights and shadows of human existence are transformed into a fascinating musical experience. Novilunio is the start of a new chapter for the two performers, an attempt to create their own musical language. For this project they explore new cultures and sounds with the help of fellow musicians such as Bijan Chemirani from Iran (bendir, daf, cymbals) and Mehdi Nassouli from Morocco (guembri, karkabs, bendir, tar and vocals). Novilunio is creative and experimental, a symbolic union of the archetypes of night and light.

The evening will be opened by the second concert of the World Music Chain in which the Pakistani sarod-player Asad Qizilbash will be accompanied on stage for the first time by a musician whose name will be announced at the World Music Chain no. 1 on 9 November.