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INNERchamber Concerts | From Distant Shores
Who: Oud virtuoso Rihab Azar, and The INNERchamber Ensemble: Andrew Chung (violin), Ben Bolt-Martin (cello), Graham Hargrove (percussion).
What: From Distant Shores is the fifth concert of INNERchamber’s Season 15.
Visiting from her home in London, England, Rihab Azar, virtuoso of the Oud, joins the INNERchamber
Ensemble to share premières of her infinitely tender and haunting new works ahead of her debut album
release in 2026.
While deeply rooted in the authentically Middle-Eastern character of the Oud, Rihab’s music possesses a uniquely intimate and daring identity of its own. Rich imagery and introspection infuse the program,
inviting the audience on a journey of depth and imagination. Alongside Rihab’s original works are pieces
by the late renowned Nubian composer, Oud master and vocalist Hamza El Din, Palestinian composer
and one of the finest Oud players of our time, Ahmad Al Khatib, and the late Adnan Abul-Shamat, master of the iconic Syrian genre Muwashahat.
We’re excited to share this rare opportunity to experience the work of Rihab Azar, an absolute master of
the Oud, with as much of the community as possible.
“The program invites the audience into a deep and novel, yet relatable experience as we play my music
and that of other composers. My pieces have a strong personal undertone as they convey journeys
inward to find warmth, consolation and novelty. The oud sits very comfortably with string instruments
and percussion, so there will be rich and exciting resonances filling the space! I can’t wait to play with
Andrew, Ben and Graham. They’re all amazing and I’m honoured that INNERchamber has invited me to
play with them.” -Guest Artist Rihab Azar
“Since meeting Rihab a couple of years ago, after a long awaited visit to Canada to see her family here in
Stratford, I have been wanting to collaborate on a concert project with her. She brings such a fresh
approach and an intense dedication to her virtuosic style of music making and I know that our
INNERchamber Ensemble will relish this rich musical collaboration.” – INNERchamber Artistic Director Andrew Chung
Concert Program:
Works by Rihab Azar, Hamza El Din, Ahmad Al Khatib, and Adnan Abul-Shamat
Note!
The Sunday, April 13 concert is a ticketed event at the venue listed.
Because of anticipated demand, the program will be performed again at The Local Community Food Centre (The Local at 612 Erie St Stratford, ON) as a Pay-What-You-Can concert on Monday, April 14 at 4pm. Guests on Monday will also have the option to enjoy The Local’s Monday Night Community Dinner, on a first come, first served basis.
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