Violinist Shalan Alhamwy and accordionist Jonas Malfliet present their first album, Safar ("traveling" in Arabic). The album travels from Syria to Belgium, past traditional melodies from among others Syria, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany and Belgium. These were arranged with elements that also come in handy when traveling: improvisation, nostalgia, friendship and virtuosity.
Their group name Damast Duo refers to the fabric damask, originating from Damascus, the capital of Syria. Damask became very popular throughout Europe throughout history.
This cultural exchange also takes place in the duo. Shalan enjoyed a classical violin course at the Damascus Conservatory, played with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra, but also mastered Arabic traditional music. Jonas grew up in the Western European musical tradition, but after many travels and international music camps he feels at home in many styles. He played, among others, with Olla Vogala, Les Busiciens and is resident pianist on Radio satiric programme “De Rechtvaardige Rechters”.
They met in at an Arabic violin workshop in Ghent, where Shalan Alhamwy taught a lot of violin students.. . and one accordionist. After the lesson they played together, and that immediately clicked, with the beautiful album "Safar" as a result.



www.damastduo.com

Art Base, Thursday 6/6/19 1E ( reduced 7E for students under nd jobseekers),
ue des Sables Zandstraat, 1000 Bruxelles. For reservations & more info to www.art-base.be