The Maghreb Orchestra of Brussels is a brand-new ensemble born at the crossroads of diverse musical traditions. The mission driving this Brussels-born initiative? To spark a dialogue between the musical heritage of the Maghreb and symphonic repertoire, offering a fresh way to experience this music. The strings of the Brussels Philharmonic will join them on stage for this historic debut concert.

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When Maghreb melodies turn symphonic

Traditionally, Maghreb music revolves around a single melodic line, collectively carried by musicians who each bring their own unique touch. Now, that very line is transformed into orchestral grandness: the strings of the Brussels Philharmonic, the oud, the qanun, and the ney weave together distinct musical lines that answer one another, merging into a powerful whole. The orchestral writing is conceived so that it can be taken up by other musicians and orchestras, allowing the music to travel and be passed on from one stage to another.

Conductor Tom Cohen leads the Maghreb Orchestra of Brussels for this debut performance, sharing the stage with the strings of the Brussels Philharmonic, twenty young Brussels voices from the Flagey Academy, and Sanaa Marahati—a Moroccan vocalist renowned for her mastery of Melhoun and Gharnati.