This exceptional concert brings the New European Ensemble together with two leading voices in contemporary Arabic music: Palestinian oud virtuoso Nizar Rohana and Dutch bassist and composer Tony Overwater. The performance is featured as part of the Culture Unlimited Festival.

At the heart of the program lies a profound musical dialogue between Arabic maqam traditions, contemporary composition, and improvisation. Together, the performers craft a rich, multi-layered soundscape where new music, heritage, and storytelling converge. It is a reflection of the ensemble’s dedication to music that speaks to today’s reality while honoring deep-rooted traditions.

Zaid Jabri — Parallax

A newly commissioned piece exploring the interaction between acoustic strings and electronic sound. This composition expands the expressive and spatial boundaries of the string quartet, positioning electronics as an integral chamber music partner rather than mere accompaniment. By playing with hybrid musical languages, microtonality, and timbral transformation, Jabri creates a dynamic dialogue between composed structure and evolving sonic environments.

Program:

Kareem Roustom — Oud Quintet

Zaid Jabri — Parallax (world premiere)

Anan Al-Kadamani — Two Folk Tunes

Amr Zahereddine — String Quartet in B minor

Suhaib Al-Samman — Miniature for String Trio 

Tony Overwater — Rivers Flow