Arab Christmas by Candlelight

Established in 2021, Cambridge Takht & The Pomegranates is a vibrant and dynamic Arabic music ensemble based in Cambridge. Comprised of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds and countries, the group brings together a unique blend of traditional and folkloric Arabic music with contemporary influences. Beyond their musical endeavours, the ensemble is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange in Cambridge. They actively participate in workshops, and collaborations with other local musicians, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Arabic music and culture.

Line up:
Singers: Narjes Abouda, Enjy Samuel, Marwa Mahmoud, Youmna Hussei
Oud: Youssef Sidhom
Violin: Mohamed Emad
Piano: Emad Sidhom
Bass Guitar: Noor Noor
Darbuka: Pete Jackson-Main
Riq: Alejandro Guizar
Duholla : Hanna Hawa
line up subject to change 

NAJIB COUTYA
Najib Coutya will perform liturgical Christmas chants from the Greek Orthodox tradition, in the style of Arabic maqam and improvisation. They will also sing non-liturgical, religious Christmas hymns, accompanied by Oud. Singer and oud player Najib was born in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he lived until moving to London in 1991. He had a very musical upbringing as his father was a choirmaster and singer of Byzantine and Arabic Church music, renowned across the Middle East.

Najib is the co-founder of Ichos Ensemble. This group has a Turkish violinist, a Greek singer, and Najib, who plays the oud and sings. They play a mixture of Turkish and Greek songs, Greek rebetiko music and Arabic and Ottoman classical music. He also collaborates with Egyptian classical musicians in the maqam tradition, often playing material by legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthumm.

ELIAS MATAR
Director, playwright, drama therapist and Storyteller, grew up in Ibillin Village in the Galilee, Palestine  and is now based in London. Elias has performed in a number of festivals around the UK, one of his latest work was directing Olive Jar commissioned by Shubbak Festival 2023.

SURA 
Having studied opera, and performed in various bands in Beirut as a vocalist, upon moving to London, Sura delved into Arabic music in a quest to reconnect with her heritage. Carrying the rich musical tradition from her home in Lebanon, Sura started a project in London that creates a tapestry of sound that echoes her journey from Beirut to the heart of a new world. Her music, a beautiful fusion of Arabic heritage and contemporary influences, mirrors the intricate blend of her identity.

NAHI
Nahi is a young Oud virtuoso and enchanting vocalist hailing from the heart of Lebanon. A graduate of the Lebanese Conservatoire, he weaves the timeless melodies of the Oud with a soulful voice that stirs the spirit. His music is a safekeep of Middle Eastern tradition, echoing the rhythms of the mountains and the Mediterranean from Levantine folk to Egyptian Tarab.

LAILA SAMY
An Egyptian-British singer and multidisciplinary artist. She started singing professionally at 12 at the Egyptian Opera House, where her passion for music began. From the age of 16 to 23, she was part of El Warsha Theatre Troupe, where she developed her singing and acting skills through various roles. Laila also studied cinematography in Cairo, which further shaped her artistic vision. Now, as an MA Music Performance student at the University of West London, she is focused on exploring the diverse styles and accents of Arabic music, working to expand her vocal range and deepen her connection to this rich tradition.
Laila will be companied by Egyptian Oud Player Sharif Aly.