Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary Sextet; Faris Ishaq - Durham Folk Festival

About

Tamsin Elliott and Tarek Elazhary are an acclaimed musical duo known for fusing English folk traditions with Egyptian Maqam music. Tamsin Elliott is a Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist who plays the fiddle, lever harp, and a specially adapted microtonal accordion. Tarek Elazhary is a Cairo-based composer and master of the Arabic oud. Their 2023 debut album, "So Far We Have Come", was named one of The Guardian's Top Ten Folk Albums of the year and nominated for a Songlines Music Award. Tracks like "El Hara"(inspired by the bustling alleyways of old Cairo) showcase a unique dialogue between Arabic and western instruments. Their second album, Letters to a Burning World, is released this September. Tamsin and Tarek explore the intriguing parallels and idiosyncrasies of Egyptian Maqam and English folk traditions in a captivating fusion of songs, tunes and textures, finding commonality, fostering cross-cultural connection and helping heal the scars of a colonial past through meaningful collaboration.

Faris Ishaq is a Palestinian musician, percussionist, and composer who charts unexplored territories with the Nay, an ancient Middle Eastern flute dating back to 5000 BCE. He is renowned for revitalising traditional Palestinian shepherd playing, known as 'Tashbib,' while also pioneering the instrument’s use in contemporary jazz. With an evocative and improvisational approach, Faris plays the Nay while simultaneously accompanying himself on leg-percussion, blending lyrical melodies, rhythmic beats, and captivating sound effects. With three albums to his credit, he has performed at
prestigious festivals and venues, including London's Kings Place, and the Monterey, Panama and London Jazz Festivals.