ABU DHABI, 23rd June, 2022 (WAM) — The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) will host the Kinan Azmeh Cityband, an enthralling fusion of Syrian sounds and rhythms with Western classical and jazz on Wednesday, 29th June at 20:00 in The Red Theater.
Formed in 2006 in New York City, the Kinan Azmeh CityBand strives to reach a balance between classical music, jazz, and the music of the virtuoso clarinetist Azmeh’s homeland, Syria. Each band member comes from varied backgrounds to add their personal flair to the ensemble, resulting in an exciting and rewarding listening experience. CityBand’s musical hallmark is Azmeh’s expressive clarinet in musical dialogue with Kyle Sanna’s rustic guitar, soaring over the dynamic backdrop of Bodek Janke’s percussion and Petros Klampanis on bass. The band has toured the US, France, England, Germany, Holland, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey and gained recognition for its virtuosic and high-energy performance, receiving praise from critics and audiences alike.
Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Centre at NYUAD Bill Bragin said, “Kinan Azmeh is one of the world’s great musicians, one who seamlessly dissolves borders between musical traditions. Ever since he participated in rehearsals and workshops at NYUAD, at the Abu Dhabi Festival with Yo-Yo Ma and Silkroad Ensemble in 2017, we have wanted to bring him back to share his heartfelt virtuosity with his own ensemble. We are thrilled to present this special concert to UAE audiences and close our 2021-22 season on a musical high point.”
Azmeh added, “This is music that is inspired by a multitude of traditions without being limited by any. Kinan Azmeh and his CityBand will perform works composed by Kinan that allows all band members to bring their own perspective to the music. This genre-bending music can be best described as: Arab Music meets Jazz meets World. I am happy to return to Abu Dhabi after my last concert, which was Silkroad Ensemble and Yo-Yo Ma as part of Abu Dhabi Festival.”