Saied Silbak: ‘Songs From Palestine’

Fri 15 October, 20:30

Join world-class oud player Saied Silbak and his ensemble as they take you on a journey through Palestinian folklore.

Internationally-renowned Palestinian composer and oud player Saied Silbak presents a mesmerising two-part concert featuring solo compositions, and his quintet ensemble with Palestinian soprano singer Nour Darwish.

In this beautiful, diverse programme, Silbak pays homage to the landscape and trajectory of Palestine’s rich music history by journeying through folklore classics, to the soundtracks of the 80s and 90s, as well as showcasing contemporary pieces and sounds.

Spotlighting some of the most distinct regional artists such as Sabreen, Kamilya Jubran and Rim Banna, Silbak also presents his own unique, stellar compositions. A celebration of Palestinian folklore from past to present, this is a show you do not want to miss.

This event is presented by MARSM UK.

Saied Silbak is a Palestinian composer and oud player born in Shafaa`mr, a city located in the lower Galilee of occupied Palestine. He began training in classical piano at the age of four, before moving onto the oud in his early teens, delving deep into the nuances at the base of Arabic music. Silbak went on to train at the Beit Almusica Conservatoire where he later taught, before studying Music and Psychology in Haifa and then completing his Masters at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He has a unique understanding of different types of music, from Arabic, Turkish and Indian to classical western styles. Silbak’s signature sound, created through his artful ability to fuse these styles, has seen him perform around the world at festivals and concert series in the UK, Belgium, France, Palestine, Morocco, Argentina and beyond.

Nour Darwish is a renowned Palestinian soprano who primarily focuses on contemporary Palestinian art songs that combine Arabic poems and classical western music by Palestinian composers. She has taken part in interdisciplinary performances around the world, performing operatic repertoire as well as Arabic music.

Saied Silbak Ensemble:

Saied Silbak – Oud and Vocals

Nour Darwish – Vocals

Ibaa Abu Khalaf – Percussion and Vocals

Bassel Seaf – Nai

James Wilson – Electric Bass Guitar


Date: 15 October 2021

Start Time: 20:30

Doors: 19:30

Length: 1.5 hours

Tickets: £18.50

Venue: Grand Junction is a new venue for the community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene Church. Our mission is to create and present an eclectic, collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families and adults. We also have a café serving delicious food overlooking the canal.



Covid-19 Update 

Grand Junction advises visitors to wear masks while moving around the building. We ask all ticket-holders not to travel to Grand Junction for an event if they have either Covid-19 symptoms or a positive Covid-19 test.

We will update our Covid safety information as government guidance changes. Click here to view further Covid-safety information. 

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