Every year, Gaudeamus, Grachtenfestival and November Music invite young composers to write a new solo piece for an instrument they have probably never written for before. This year, three composers – Koen Oosterhuis, Anan Alkadamani and Wybe Wiersma – are each writing a brand new piece for the Syrian oud player Jawa Manla. The pieces will premiere during Grachtenfestival and can be heard subsequently at Gaudeamus and November Music.
Manla is known for her emotionally charged and technically virtuoso performances. In her youth, she found solace in her father’s daily oud playing, and discovered in the instrument a way to express herself. This family bond formed the start of a deep passion for the oud, an instrument she describes as a door to boundless freedom. She has played in various bands and ensembles, including the Netherlands Wind Ensemble, Caravan, Qasyoun and Fuse. In 2023, she released her critically acclaimed debut album Distant Roots.
The compositions by Koen Oosterhuis, Anan Alkadamani and Wybe Wiersma are a co-commission of Gaudeamus Festival and November Music and are made possible by financial support from Fonds Podiumkunsten.
PROGRAMME
Koen Oosterhuis – new work
Anan Alkadamani – new work
Wybe Wiersma – new work