Ethno Fridays : ENSEMBLE CHAKÂM

Chakâm blends the radiant târ of Sogol Mirzaei (Iran) with the silky qanûn of Christine Zayed (Palestine), carried by the profound viola da gamba of Marie-Suzanne de Loye (France). Built on the codes of classical Iranian, Arab and Baroque repertoires, where intense rhythmic passages meet vibrant melodic tirades, the group's performances feature original compositions driven by a resolutely modern art of improvisation.

A universe at the crossroads: nostalgia for lands left too soon, uprootedness and the mirage of an elsewhere that fades with time, and the inexhaustible vitality of experience, discovery and renewal.

The trio won the Prix des Musiques d'Ici 2023 in France, and is preparing the release of its first album in early 2025. They have also just been selected as part of the Womex 2024 Selection.

Concert organized by Ateliers d'ethnomusicologie and AMR, with the support of the City of Geneva and Fonds culturel Sud.

Sogol Mirzaei, târ (lute)
Christine Zayed, qânun (zither), vocals
Marie-Suzanne de Loye, viola da gamba