We will open the evening with Ensemble El Korchi, a trio around Mohamed Amine and Nawal El Korchi. After well-received performances at the Festival de Taragalte in Morocco and at the Hotel Metropole of Radio Klara, these young Moroccan kanun players bring together with percussionist Ahmed Khaili a brand-new varied repertoire with music from the Middle East and North Africa, completed with their own compositions. Amine and Nawal learned to play the kanun with the Iraqi master Souhad Najem, but also completed their training in other styles of music with Tristan Driessens and Ananta Roosens among others. The trio impressed us with their virtuosity during the “world pitch”, the competition for young talents organised by vi.be (ex-poppunt).

The evening follows with Jiraan, a septet under the lead of compositor-violinist Shalan Alhamwy. In accordance with their name, Jiraan meaning ‘neighbours’ in Arabic, these 7 masters present what connects them together: subtle melodies, swirling tunes and breath-taking improvisations. Together, they create a new intercultural sound that transcend the established notions of style or convention. Through improvisations, the band forms a non-hierarchical social micro cosmos based on compassion and connection that strives in the collective pursuit of beauty. Music that overcomes borders, politics and ideologies.

El Korchi Ensemble:

• Mohamed Amine & Nawal El Korchi: kanun
• Ahmed Khaili: percussions

Jiraan:

• Shalan Alhamwy: violin
• Omar Znkawan: clarinet & sax
• Firas Hassan: percussions
• Baidar Albasri: vocals
• Shahriar Sharifpour: santur
• Jonas Malfliet: piano & accordion
• Damla Aydın: cello