A new sound source for ‘ūd, voice and cello

A fresh, spirited group of musicians are brought together to explore music for voice and 'Ud, from medieval to contemporary sounds, culminating in a new composition by Marcus Davidson for three voices, ‘Ud and cello.

Davidson’s intriguing new composition, The Ziggurat Builders, creates a new sound source for the, as yet, unexplored combination of ‘ūd, voice and cello.  The piece takes its title and libretto from a poem by the late Iraqi Assyrian poet Sargon Boulus, translated into English by the author. The music draws on the unique sounds and individual qualities of ‘Voice’ and Khyam Allami, finding a meeting point of performing traditions from the east and west.

A cappella trio, Voice, and cellist Tara Franks, frequently perform a mix of musical genres, inspiring the rich range in this programme.  Khyam Allami is a young yet masterful ‘Ūd player of Iraqi descent who has worked with great artists of the ‘Ūd and was the first recipient of the BBC Radio 3 World Routes Academy scholarship/mentorship.

“His improvisations…were beautifully paced, and had the combination of aristocratic reserve and inner intensity that one always hopes for.” The Telegraph, 2010 (Khyam Allami)

"Allami may be influenced by traditional Middle Eastern modal systems, but he's an original" The Guardian (Khyam Allami)

Read The Guardian's feature on Khyam Allami

The Ziggurat Builders new composition for Voices, ‘Ūd and Cello is supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

Bookings: 01865 319 450 / online (look to the right of this page

Track: Voice singing 'Angelica the doorkeeper' by Marcus Davidson