Band Bio: The Al Andalus Ensemble, Tarik & Julia Banzi Contemporary Andalusian Music “a delightful proposition of exquisite music” (El Pais, Madrid, Spain) “a new musical language that unites the East & We...   Read More »

Band Bio: The Al Andalus Ensemble, Tarik & Julia Banzi Contemporary Andalusian Music “a delightful proposition of exquisite music” (El Pais, Madrid, Spain) “a new musical language that unites the East & West” (Aramco World Magazine) “An outstanding presentation! Music & musicianship that took our breath away!” (The American College Music Society) “Plus qu’un simple spectacle, est une traversée musicale et une invitation au voyage” (L’Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France) “Sounds simultaneously foreign and familiar, different styles working so beautifully together!” (Youssef Rakha, The National; Abu Dhabi) Since first joining hands, Moroccan-born oudist Tarik Banzi and flamenco guitarist Julia Banzi have been combining the oud & flamenco guitar creating what reviewers have called “a delightful proposition of exquisite music” (El Pais, Madrid, Spain). Genre-defining composers and performers, it was the Banzis who coined the term ‘Contemporary Andalusian" to describe their informed approach to oud & flamenco guitar music that melds the past with the present that has been hailed as “a new musical language that unites the East & West” (Aramco World Magazine). Founders of the Al Andalus Ensemble, Tarik & Julia Banzi utilize the historical period of Al-Andalus (Spain 711-1492) to frame their work. Historically, Al-Andalus refers to Spain from 711-1492. During these eight centuries, the Spain of Al-Andalus witnessed the closest encounter possible between Africa, the East and the West, as well as between Islam, Judaism & Christianity. An outstanding model of tolerance and functioning multiculturalism, Al-Andalus was a time that is known for its mutually beneficial symbiosis among diverse cultures that resulted in remarkable artistic, educational, and cultural enlightenments. The Banzi’s present historically informed programs which integrate traditional works of the Andalusi’ (Ladino), Spanish Andalusian traditions combined with new, contemporary pieces rooted in the Andalusian legacy yet reflective of today’s global soundscape. Tarik & Julia are scholars, musician/ composers and artists.   Read Less »

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