Marmoucha Orchestra & Mehdi Nassouli present Sonic Bridges at the Bimhuis

A musical fusion of gnawa and jazz in the heart of Amsterdam

On Saturday 21 June, Marmoucha Orchestra, together with Moroccan guembri master Mehdi Nassouli, brings a groundbreaking musical experience to the Bimhuis. Following their selection for the prestigious Jazzahead! 2024 and rave reviews in the European media, Sonic Bridges can finally be seen on Dutch stages.

The performance is the culmination of a year-long artistic collaboration between Marmoucha Orchestra and Nassouli. The compelling mix of hypnotic gnawa rhythms and contemporary jazz is an absolute must-see for lovers of Moroccan music traditions, jazz and groundbreaking crossovers.

Artistic director Arin Keshishi leads an ensemble of top musicians with a recognisable sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in heritage. Mehdi Nassouli's powerful voice and virtuoso guembri evoke the trance-like intensity of gnawa music and compellingly bring this age-old tradition to the present.

Line-up:

Mehdi Nassouli - vocals, guembri, composition
Arin Keshishi - bass, artistic director, arrangement
Tuur Moens - drums
Xavi Torres - piano
Jessy Hay - guitar
Maripepa Contreras - oboe, arrangement
Antonio Moreno - trumpet, arrangement
Pablo Martinez - trombone

23 June: Masterclass: DisOrient Fusion LAB - Sonic Bridges

Following the concert, Marmoucha Orchestra and Mehdi Nassouli are organising an open masterclass at the Bimhuis on Monday 23 June: a unique opportunity for musicians of all backgrounds to delve into the rich traditions of gnawa and fusion music from the SWANA region (South West Asia and North Africa). During the evening, you will gain insight into the musical worlds of Marmoucha and Mehdi Nassouli, play together with the artists as well as join an open jam session.

Programme:

19:00 Doors open
19:30 - 21:00 Masterclass
21:00 - 21:30 Break
21:30 - 22:00 Concert Mehdi Nassouli & members Marmoucha Orchestra
22:00 - 23:00 Open jam session

Free participation and no preselection!

More information and free registration via marmoucha.co.uk