Fascinating musical melting pot

Jiraan is a music collective led by violinist and composer Shalan Alhamwy. In the ensemble, twelve top musicians explore their common musical ground within the Middle East, jazz and Balkan traditions. In this way they create an intercultural sound that is recognizable and fresh.

The word 'Jiraan' is very well chosen, because it means 'neighbours' in Arabic. After all, Jiraan explores the musical dialogue between Syrian, Iraqi and Turkish music, European folk, and - believe it or not - baroque music is there too.

Jiraan experiments with new compositions inspired by old forms. The ensemble consists of a string section (violins, viola, cello and double bass), a rhythm section (percussion, keyboards and double bass), woodwinds (flute, clarinet and saxophone), traditional instruments from the Middle East (ney, oud, kanun, kemenche and duduk) and vocal.

Line-up:

Violin, Arrangements: Shalan Alhamwy (SY|BE)

Violin: Mohamad Aldouri (IQ|BE)

Violin/Vocal: Ibrahim Kahila (SY|BE)

Kemenche: Emine Bostanci (TR|NL)

Cello: Damla Aydin (TR|BE)

Double Bass: Kathrien Bos (NL|BE)

Sax, Clarinet: Omar Znkawan (SY|DE)

Duduk, Fflute: Lucie Lelaurain (FR|NL)

Oud: Maher Mahmoud (SY|DK)

Vocal: Galina Velikova (BG|BE)

Percussion: Jacobus Thiele (DE|NL)

Piano, Accordion: Jonas Malfliet (BE)

Photo: Björn Comhaire