A Ticket to Aleppo brings Arabic and Western music together across the Netherlands

Arabic and Western musical traditions come together in A Ticket to Aleppo, a theatrical concert touring the Netherlands this autumn.

The production by Orchestre Partout and New European Ensemble takes audiences on a musical journey inspired by Aleppo, one of the historic centres of Arabic music. Classical Arabic songs, maqams and improvisation meet Western classical instruments in a concert built around connection, resilience and longing.

A musical journey through Aleppo

Traditional instruments including the oud, qanun and riq are combined with violin, viola, cello and flute. Performers include Nour Wahdi, Salah Eddine Mesbah, Jack Sabbagh and Háshem Kabreet, alongside musicians from the New European Ensemble. Jazz bassist Tony Overwater is responsible for the composition and arrangements.

The music evokes different sides of Aleppo, from its homes and souks to taxis and cafés, with songs and sounds reflecting longing, resilience and the atmosphere of the centuries-old city.

A Ticket to Aleppo starts with a try-out at Likeminds in Amsterdam on October 14, followed by its premiere at BIMHUIS on October 16. The production then travels to several cities across the Netherlands.

Upcoming dates:

October 14 – Likeminds, Amsterdam
October 16 – BIMHUIS, Amsterdam
October 23 – Amare / Nieuwe Kerk, The Hague
November 21 – Schouwburg Concertzaal Tilburg
November 26 – De Grote Kerk, Enschede
December 11 – Podium Mozaïek, Amsterdam