13 June Eastern Strings
The fourth concert in the Festival of World Music is a celebration of the sounds of the Middle East. We welcome the Bristol-based duo Eastern Strings of Daphna Sadeh-Neu (double bass) and Knud Stüwe (oud) for their first performance at the Old Chapel. Their instrumental music is distinctive and exquisite, drawing together a tapestry of musical culture from across the Middle East and their performances combine world music energy with classical precision and characterful improvisations. They will be joined by special guest, Özcan Ateş, vocalist and master of the ear-catching traditional bağlama, a seven-stringed, long-necked lute central to Turkish and Kurdish folk traditions. His playing is intense and musically enriching and his vocals are lyrical, emotional and poignant. The trio’s performances of an eclectic mix of Kurdish, Turkish, Ladino and Middle Eastern traditional songs and music have been described as visceral, evocative and full of surprise. Immerse yourself in these sumptuous worldly musical delights expertly plucked and sung by the ensemble in this, the finale of Calstock Arts’ journey around ‘Our Music Planet’.
Have a listen: https://youtu.be/2wY87UTTQGo?si=9jE7EwltDVCOefSt
Middle Eastern music refers to the music of the various countries and cultures in the Middle East region, including countries such as Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, amongst many others. It is a diverse and rich musical tradition that has been influenced by various cultures and civilisations throughout history. The music is known for its unique scales, rhythms, and instruments. One of its most distinctive features is the use of maqamat (‘ascents’), melodic modes or scales that are used as the basis for composition and improvisation. Middle Eastern music has evolved over time and has become globally more accessible via digital platforms, but despite external influences it continues to be a vibrant and dynamic musical tradition that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Daphna Sadeh-Neu is an acclaimed double bassist, composer and artistic director. She has released 5 albums on major UK and US labels and has received commissions to compose for both small ensembles and full orchestra in a style that crosses genres including world music, Baroque and jazz. Daphna has performed internationally in Europe, Asia and the USA, and her music and playing has featured on BBC Radio 3, and in Songlines and Strad magazines. She also teaches double bass and gives workshops at Bristol University, SOAS University of London and Cambridge University.
Knud Stüwe is a musician, composer and arranger and is fast establishing himself as a unique and brilliant voice on the oud. He draws inspiration from a wide range of influences such as Middle Eastern music, Jazz, Tango and the Classical repertoire. Recent projects include ‘Sounds of Sudan’ a collaboration between the oud duo Nabra and the Ligeti String quartet and a WNO songwriting project with refugees. He is also the musical director of the Bristol Mandolin and Guitar ensemble, an enthusiastic amateur plucked string orchestra.
Özcan Ateş was born in Istanbul and started playing the bağlama at a young age. While his musical journey began in Turkey, he has become more active since settling in Bristol. He is a rare master of the bağlama, performing traditional Turkish and Kurdish folk songs as well as his own compositions across the UK. Music is his way of expressing emotions, telling stories, and preserving culture. He believes in its power to connect people and strives to blend tradition with modern influences. He is a unique voice in the UK’s world music landscape.
