Under the motto ‘Migration, engine of musical renewal’, this 5th edition of the music series Old Roots New Routes charts the latest developments of a vital Dutch music scene. A subculture in which musicians from four corners of the world find a second home, take a third path, and ‘walk new roads from old roots’.

The next ORNR concert will take place at the Dove on Saturday 28 February: 

Nawras Altaky Septet: Arise!

Ud player/singer Nawras Altaky is a charismatic presence. In meandering improvisations, he guides his ensemble through Arabic maqam, jazz, pop and medieval music. Playfully, Altaky's history from anonymous asylum seeker transforms into a universal experience. In passing, he names the details of his flight journey: “I had no road map but followed the footsteps of my predecessors”; or refers to the ultimate decision facing every refugee: “The dance between chance and choice.”

With this enlightened lesson in acceptance, he manifests himself as a ‘musicians musician’, rightly elected this year as Utrecht's City Composer.

On his debut album Arise!, Altaky has captured his flight from Syria in poignant compositions, this CD will be presented at the concert on 28 February.

Musicians: Nawras Altaky (SY/NL) ud, vocals; Kinan Abuakel (SY/NL) buzuk; Remy Dielemans (NL) double bass; Udo Demandt (NL) percussion; Marianne Noordink (NL) ney, flute; Teis Semey (NL) electric guitar; Oene van Geel (NL) violin.