Programme details
Berklee Abu Dhabi’s Jazz Night
Berklee Abu Dhabi’s Jazz Night is a celebration of jazz as a unifying force, bridging musical traditions from around the world.
This year’s program features an exciting fusion of styles featuring both local talent and internationally acclaimed guest artists,
including
Esperanza Spalding,
Hüsnü Şenlendirici,
Charbel Rouhana, and
Mayssa Karaa accompanied by
Berklee Abu Dhabi’s
HeJAZZ ensemble, which will adapt and reinterpret the distinct musical
repertoires of the guest artists through new and fresh musical arrangements.
Featured Artists
Esperanza Spalding (USA) – Berklee alumna and multi-Grammy-winning bassist, vocalist, and composer.
Esperanza Spalding is known for her genre-defying approach to jazz, blending elements of R&B, classical, and experimental sounds.
She brings a dynamic and deeply musical presence, emphasizing improvisation and storytelling through music.
Hüsnü Şenlendirici (Turkey) – A virtuoso Turkish clarinetist, Hüsnü Şenlendirici is renowned for
merging Anatolian folk, Turkish classical music, and jazz. His expressive style and microtonal phrasing offer a unique voice that
bridges Eastern and Western traditions.
Charbel Rouhana (Lebanon) – Charbel Rouhana is one of Lebanon’s most outstanding oud players.
His compositions have redefined the traditional Arabic instrument, turning it into a versatile, modern voice that seamlessly
connects with different cultures and musical styles, all while staying deeply rooted in the Oriental-Arabic tradition.
Mayssa Karaa (Lebanon-USA) – Mayssa Karaa is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur,
currently serving as the inaugural Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, she is known for seamlessly
blending Arabic and Western music, bridging cultures through her artistry. Since graduating from Berklee, she has been dedicated
to bringing its musical experience to artists in the Middle East.
HeJAZZ ensemble (Abu Dhabi) – A dynamic big band bringing together exceptional musicians from around
the world, HeJAZZ fuses Arabic traditions with the energy of jazz. Founded by Berklee Abu Dhabi faculty
Yarub Smarait and
Samvel Gasparyan, the ensemble features standout
Berklee alumni and regional musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, blending the rich heritage of the Arab world with the
improvisational essence of jazz.
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