‘ARISE! A Journey of Resilience’ is the debut album from Syrian-Dutch composer, vocalist, and oud player Nawras Altaky and his international septet. Nawras Altaky Septet was founded during his artist’s residency as part of the Bimhuis ‘Reflex’ series. With this project, Nawras Altaky translates his personal life stories into new, adventurous compositions. It is an ode to the ‘survivors of the world’ and ‘dreamers’ who never give up on creating something beautiful in the chaos. This year, Nawras was appointed the title ‘Composer of the City Utrecht’.
“Altaky has a fascinating, warm baritone with which he can sing with breathtaking, colourful
softness, effectively building up tension through his sublime sense of timing” — NRC
The septet composition is unique, combining Western instruments like the guitar, viola, and
double bass with the beautiful Eastern sounds of the oud, ney, and buzuk, and of course, the
human voice. The individual ensemble members are all bridge-builders and pioneers in their
respective habitats within contemporary jazz, global, and classical music.
Line-Up 🎻
Nawras Altaky: Oud, Vocals, Composition | Oene van Geel: Viola
Siebren Smink: Guitar | Marianne Noordink: Ney, Flute
Kinan Abuakel: Buzuk | Udo Demandt: Percussion | Remy Dielemans: Double Bass
