An evening of harmonious convergence, where Palestinian oud master and singer Saied Silbak joins forces with British singer/songwriter and composer Ana Silvera. This gorgeous collaboration delves into the shared tapestry of the artists’ respective heritages, unearthing the profound connections between the Maqams and intricate melodies of Arabic song, and Ladino music, carried by Iberian Jews as they fled the Inquisition, all elegantly reimagined with a twist.
“Beautiful and deeply moving…their performance summoned such sorcery within seconds of starting, and kept the thrills coming” The Arts Desk ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Songs We Carry invites you to a dance between two worlds, with each note carrying the weight of centuries-old stories and traditions. The emotive melancholy of Ladino songs are intertwined seamlessly with the mystical allure of Arabic music. Interspersing tales of family histories and cultural traditions between songs, Silbak and Silvera invite you to connect not only with the music but the lives and culture that shaped it.
Saied Silbak is a Palestinian composer and Oud player born in Shafaa`mr, a city located in the lower Galilee of occupied Palestine. He began training in classical piano at the age of four, before moving onto the oud in his early teens in order to delve deep into the nuances at the heart of Arabic music. Silbak went on to train at the Beit Almusica Conservatoire where he later taught, before studying Music and Psychology at the university of Haifa and then completing his Masters at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he is currently based. He has a unique understanding of different types of music, from Arabic, Turkish and Indian to classical Western styles. Silbak’s signature sound, created through his artful ability to fuse these styles together, has seen him perform around the world at festivals and concert series in the UK, Belgium, France, Palestine, Morocco, Argentina and beyond.
Ana Silvera is an acclaimed alt-folk singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Her songs are vignettes, poignant snapshots in time that weave poetry and melody to magical effect. Silvera’s explorations into Ladino and Arabic music is inspired by her own family roots – the Silvera family were Jewish refugees of the Spanish Inquisition, who resettled in Aleppo (then a part of the Ottoman Empire) in the 18th century. Over the past decade, Ana has performed extensively in the UK and Europe at prestigious venues and festivals including SXSW, Royal Opera House (UK) and Iceland Airwaves and most recently was featured as an official showcase artist for Folk Alliance International, Montreal.
As Silbak and Silvera grace the stage, their musical dialogue is more than just a performance – it’s a heartfelt conversation between two diverse traditions, brought together in the embrace of friendship. In these challenging times, the message of Songs We Carry resonates more profoundly than ever – a message of friendship, commonality, and the enduring power of music to unite communities. The notes resonate not only with the precision of skilled musicians but also with the passion of storytellers, weaving a narrative that highlights the profound beauty of shared history and ultimately, the human experience.
With previous appearances at esteemed venues such as Amare Den Haag (NL), the Vortex Jazz Club (UK), and the Royal Opera House (UK), Silbak and Silvera have proven the wide-ranging appeal of their collaborative endeavour. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a musical journey that goes beyond entertainment—it’s an immersion into the rich tapestry of our collective heritage. Join us for an evening of cultural exploration and musical storytelling with Songs We Carry.