The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra fuses a wealth of music styles from the Mediterranean region into a combination of dynamic rhythms, melancholic melodies and refined improvisations, on both Arabic and Western instruments. The concert The Tree of Being is dedicated to Sufi poet Ibn Arabi (1165-1240), who regarded trees as the perfect creation of the universe. Soloists of the orchestra join each other on a quest to translate Arabi’s poetry into music.

The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra plays diverse musical forms from Granada to Baghdad, from various eras and in various styles. From the rich Arabo Andalus repertory, which originated on the Iberian peninsula, to mystical Eastern music, sophisticated Arabic improvised music and folk music from the Maghreb. Ten years ago the orchestra was founded by musicians from Amsterdam and Morocco. Throughout the years, the orchestra has collaborated with renowned musicians from all kinds of genres, from Arabic to jazz and flamenco.

BIMHUIS & Corona

Abderrahim Semlali violin/musical director, Jaafar Loughmani viola, Haytham Safia Oud, Marianne Noordink Ney, Daniel van Huffelen double bass, Ahmed Khaili percussion, Ruven Ruppik percussion.