As part of MARSM’s spring programme, we are showcasing the enduring legacy and spirit of Sufi music, a spiritual branch within Islam that ascertains the nature of humanity and God, and the presence of divine love in the world. Through this newly commissioned concert, audiences will see the mesmerising character of Sufi musical performance and see how their divine ancient works are being reworked, reimaged and revisited.

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Bachar Zarkan presents: The Hallaj of Hope

From Ibn Arabi to Mahmoud Darwish: Sufi tradition meets contemporary poetry

Striking a resilient harmony between Sufi musical performance and contemporary poetry, Bachar Zarkan’s anticipated London performance marks the debut of his remarkable project ‘The Hallaj of Hope’.

Together will a brand-new ensemble, Zarkan pays homage to the divine poetry of the Sufi mystics and thinkers such as Ibn Arabi, Ibn Al-Faridh, and Al-Hallaj, and extends their rich legacy to the work of contemporary poet and literary icon Mahmoud Darwish. Further testimony to Zarkan’s astonishing musical agility, the works are presented and based on the inner musicality of their text; the inherent ‘poetic word’ decides the rhythmic structure of the works, and through it, ingeniously couples authentic Arabic modes alongside contemporary Arabic music.

Zarkan’s Damascus roots bring with them an enthralling blend of Syrian and Egyptian musical heritage, which together with styles such as the Iraqi maqam, carry an innovative expressivity and bring a remarkable distinction to an already astonishing musical culture.

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LONDON | Friday 6th July | Kings Place 
MANCHESTER| Sunday 8th July | Band on the Wall 

London:
Tickets available from Kings Place here
Doors open at 7:30pm
Concert starts at 8pm
Kings Place – 90 York Way – N1 9AG

Manchester: 
Tickets available from Band on the Wall here (On Sale Friday 18th May at 12pm)
Doors open at 6:30pm 
Concert starts 7pm

The Manchester show was organised in association with Rethink Rebuild Society, a Manchester-based charity that works towards improving the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants, in particular but not exclusively Syrians in the UK, helping them become positively established within British society. See http://rrsoc.org for more info.

The Hallaj of Hope UK tour has been made possible with the support of Arts Council England. 
www.artscouncil.org.uk