Oxford Maqam – EFG London Jazz Festival 2026

ARTISTS

Oxford Maqam

Pioneering Oxford Maqam comprises vocalists and musicians who are renowned experts in their field ofE gyptian music of the ​19th and 20th centuries.

They first met fifteen years ago, and now regularly sell out venues both at home and internationally, taking their album tour from London’s Kings Place to the Kuwait Opera House. Their self-produced album, described as ‘revolutionary’ by Songlines magazine, used recording techniques from over one hundred years ago. Offering fresh and entertaining recreations, they have captured the imaginations of UK, Europe and Middle Eastern audiences alike.

Whilst the Arabic music scene is filled with innovators of contemporary popular music, Oxford Maqam are innovators of classical Arabic music. Their revival of historical works remains an original process, and their concerts ​offer a rare opportunity to experience live renditions of a music steeped in Arab heritage.

Rama Alcoutlabi (Support Act)

A Syrian vocalist, researcher, and music educator based in London. Trained in Middle Eastern classical singing at the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, her work explores sacred, devotional, and traditional vocal practices from the Levant, Iran, and neighbouring regions.

Working across performance, research, and socially engaged arts, Rama is interested in the relationship between music, spirituality, identity, and freedom. Her artistic and academic practice investigates how voice functions not only as a musical medium, but also as a site through which communities negotiate memory, belief, belonging, and transformation.

After completing a degree in Environmental Engineering, Rama was awarded a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in London in humanitarian research and methodologies. She is currently undertaking graduate studies at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, where her research focuses on religious music and devotional traditions of the Levant and Iran, engaging theological and philosophical frameworks to examine questions of selfhood, meaning, and human freedom. She intends to continue this work through doctoral research at University of Cambridge.

Rama is also the founder of Music for Peace Building, an initiative that began inside a refugee camp and explores the role of music in education, wellbeing, and community resilience among displaced populations. Alongside her research, she collaborates with cultural institutions, theatres, charities, and international partners, creating performances and projects that bridge artistic practice, scholarship, and social engagement.

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Arts Canteen

Established in 2010, we curate and produce events, exhibitions and festivals that support emerging, mid-career and established artists from the Arab world and surrounding regions, bringing their work to new audiences in the UK and beyond. We now have an international reputation for excellence and innovation in our work.

Date: 20 November 2026

Start Time: 20:00

Doors: 19:00

Bar:  Open from 19:00. We serve a selection of craft beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks.

Length: approx. 2 hours

Standard Ticket: £22+ bf

Community Concession Ticket: £12 + bf

As part of our Right Here, Right Now programme, we have set aside a limited number of £12 Community Concession tickets for local residents (W2, W9, NW8 and NW10).
If you’re able to, choosing a standard ticket helps us keep this offer available for those who may need it most.

We recommend pre-booking tickets to guarantee entry. Booking on the door will result in an additional fee of £1.

Venue: Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Rowington Close, London W2 5TF

Closest Stations: Royal Oak (Circle and Hammersmith & City line) 0.3 miles

Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line) 0.4 miles

Paddington Station (National Rail services and Circle, District, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City line) 0.9 miles