Sami Yusuf, internationally renowned composer, vocalist and musician, is called a ‘mega-star’ by the likes of the BBC and Time Magazine. With a preference for Sufi music, Yusuf is in full command of a range from deeply meditative melodies to pulsating energetic rhythms. His compositions are inspired by traditional music and mystical poetry. The Brit with Azeri roots sings in multiple languages and explores various cultures because, as he says, ‘People all over the world are looking for connection, and music makes that connection on the most profound level.’ For the special project, When Paths Meet – set to be performed during Holland Festival 2021 – Yusuf and his musicians collaborate with Cappella Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra, weaving together their distinct traditions in a joint celebration of the music across cultures. Yusuf writes wholly new compositions and arrangements, of which one song can now be seen and listened to as a remotely realised world premiere. The melody of the song One came to Yusuf in a dream, he says. He wrote it down immediately when he woke up. The production of One was technically very challenging, with almost 30 musicians performing in separate studios. The song opens with Cappella Amsterdam’s performance of a vocal score suggestive of Gregorian chant. Transitioning from Western Europe to the world of Andalusia and North Africa, the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra engages and tantalizes with sounds of the ney, violin, qanun and percussions, until the dramatic outro seals the ecstatic experience. The German lyrics are from the 13th century Christian metaphysician and sage Meister Eckhart. Arabic lyrics are by Abu al-Hasan al-Shushtari, the 13th century Andalusian mystic and poet. Thematically linked, the words of these two visionaries speak of the Eternal I and of the Unity of vision — one seeing, one knowing, one love.
dates
Thu June 18 2020 1:00 PM
information
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Duration of performance unknown
