Basel Rajoub's Soriana Project Feat. Shaza Hayek at Bimhuis

New Arabic music led by saxophonist Basel Rajoub from Aleppo, with adventurous compositions alongside classical Syrian songs by vocalist Shaza Hayek.

In his project Soriana (‘our Syria’) saxophonist Basel Rajoub composes new music based on the 1000 year tradition of improvising which he brought with him from his homeland. The saxophonist from Aleppo collaborates with his compatriot Feras Charestan on the string instrument qanun.

With an innovative approach to Arabic music they recorded the album The Queen of Turquoise, together with the versatile percussionist Andrea Picconi. Special guest on the album and at this Bimhuis concert is vocalist, who adds classical Syrian songs to the repertory....

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New Arabic music led by saxophonist Basel Rajoub from Aleppo, with adventurous compositions alongside classical Syrian songs by vocalist Shaza Hayek.

In his project Soriana (‘our Syria’) saxophonist Basel Rajoub composes new music based on the 1000 year tradition of improvising which he brought with him from his homeland. The saxophonist from Aleppo collaborates with his compatriot Feras Charestan on the string instrument qanun.

With an innovative approach to Arabic music they recorded the album The Queen of Turquoise, together with the versatile percussionist Andrea Picconi. Special guest on the album and at this Bimhuis concert is vocalist, who adds classical Syrian songs to the repertory.

‘Soriana is ‘our Syria’. A homeland we left behind, forced out either by a search or by circumstances. We head out thinking that we carry no baggage, completely unaware of the biggest gift our country has bestowed upon us. That gift is the gift of musical knowledge. It remains with me throughout many journeys, it soothes wounds and inspires creation, provides warmth and a platform of stability, images, aromas, tastes that water the mouth and inspire new creations still. This music is my gift to our Syria – Soriana’ (Basel Rajoub).

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