"Orbit: Sufi Spheres" – A Sonic Journey with Bram Stadhouders and Khaled Alhafez

Date: December 4th, 2024
Time: 8 PM
Venue: Lokhorstkerk, Pieterskerkstraat 1, 2311 SV Leiden

Join Bram Stadhouders and Khaled Alhafez for an extraordinary evening where the boundaries between modern technology and ancient tradition dissolve into a captivating musical experience. Orbit: Sufi Spheres promises to take you on an immersive auditory journey that transcends genres, blending the futuristic sounds of algorithmic composition with the timeless spirituality of Sufi and Aleppine chants.

Prepare to be transported into a world of sound where deep, mesmerizing bass lines guide you through a labyrinth of harmonies. Bram’s self-developed ‘surround guitar’ creates a unique 3D soundscape, with each string following its own direction, enveloping the audience in an intricate symphony of spheres. Enhancing this sonic experience, Khaled Alhafez lends his powerful vocals to the mix, weaving traditional Sufi and sacred chants into the evolving musical tapestry.

https://bramstadhouders.nl/orbit

About the Artists

Bram Stadhouders

Bram Stadhouders is celebrated as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking guitarists of his generation. A virtuoso improviser and composer, Bram has made a name for himself by pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. He has led groundbreaking projects like the Big Barrel Organ and Orbit, which showcase his pioneering work with the ‘surround guitar.’ His approach is inspired by natural landscapes, visual arts, ambient music, and global influences, constantly exploring the intersections of jazz, classical composition, and electronic soundscapes.

With over 800 performances in more than 60 countries, Bram has graced the stages of major jazz festivals worldwide. He is also part of the trio Under the Surface, alongside singer Sanne Rambags and drummer Joost Lijbaart, and is currently developing three major new projects.

Khaled Alhafez

Khaled Alhafez is a renowned Syrian vocalist and master of traditional muwashahat singing. Formerly a teacher at the Damascus Conservatory, Khaled has performed with esteemed ensembles such as Nawa and Ramal, and participated in Fabrizio Cassol’s Alefba project. Now a member of the Wajd Ensemble, Khaled has performed and taught across Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. His voice brings the rich, spiritual traditions of Aleppine and Sufi music to life for audiences around the world.

https://youtu.be/Y5QeXh69Ft4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Ukajj1p4g

Orbit with Bram Stadhouders and Khaled Alhafez

Orbit with Bram Stadhouders and Khaled Alhafez