An Evening With Al Firdaus Ensemble (Granada)

The name of the ensemble is inspired by the Persian word "Firdaus", the Arabic name for the highest garden in paradise from an Islamic perspective and includes musicians from England, Spain and Morocco. They use a variety of instruments, a combination of Persian, Arabic and Turkish (e.g. Oud, Daf, Darbuka, Riq, Ney longitudinal flute) and western classical instruments (e.g. violin, cello) as well the flamenco guitar. 

The ensemble follows a combination of different musical styles, such as western classical sounds, Celtic music and flamenco, as well as new arrangements of numerous pieces from traditional Islamic Sufi music, which originate from Arabic, Andalusian and Turkish sources. 

The lyrics are mostly in Arabic and inspired by the poetry of the well-known Sufis of Al-Andalus as well as from the Arab world such as Ibn-Arabi and Al-Shushtari. In addition, its repertoire consists of musical adaptations of poems in old Spanish (called Aljamiado), which the Moriscos (persecuted Spanish Muslims) wrote down using Arabic script. 

Parking

Please note there is no on site parking available at The Curve. 

Public car parks nearby include Burlington and Buckingham Gardens.

Schedule

19:30 - Doors Open

19:40 - Introductions

19:45 - 20:45 - First Session

20:45 - 21:15 - Break ~ Refreshments ~ Prayer

21:15 - 22:00 -  The Finale

22:00 - 22:30  - Meet and Greet

Listen to Al Firdaus Ensemble - Madha Morisco - فرقة الفردوس - مديح موريسكي

From the album, celebrating the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with a 17th century poem, written in Aljamiado, Spanish using Arabic script. The video also explores themes of nostalgia, alienation, and reconciliation pertaining to the Moriscos, the persecuted medieval Spanish Muslims.