DESCRIPTION:

Acclaimed British composer Sami Yusuf brings the immensely popular
Moroccan folk song ‘Fiyyashiyya’ to a European audience in his stunning
new arrangement performed live at the Holland Festival.
An achingly eloquent solo improvisation on the Chinese erhu
by the world-renowned master Guo Gan opens the piece,
which then moves into a joyful call and response between Sami Yusuf
and the vocalists of Cappella Amsterdam. As the rhythm builds,
the Arabic lyrics sung by the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra
are answered in English by Cappella Amsterdam.
This innovative rendition captures the exuberant essence of
the North African folk sound just as it clearly captured the hearts
of the audience who are heard clapping and singing along.

Written by the Moroccan poet
Sidi Othman ibn Yahya Cherki (known as “Sidi Bahloul Cherki”) in the 17th century

CREDITS:

Performed and arranged by Sami Yusuf
Words and Music: Traditional Moroccan
English translation: Dr. Tim Winter
Maqām: ‘Ajam

Sami Yusuf & Ensemble:

Sami Yusuf: Vocal
Ömer Avci: Bendir
Eyüpcan Açikpazu: Ney
Hasan Hekimoglu: Oud
Onur Cicin: Qanun
Guo Gan: Erhu
Seyyed Mohammad Jaberi: Daf
Huseyin Can Pala: Baglama
Mahyar Toreihi: Santoor
Jon Lawton: Guitar

Cappella Amsterdam:

Soprano: Sanda Audere, Elisabeth Blom, Marijke van der Harst
Alto: Hebe de Champeaux, Irene Sorozabal, Inga Schneider
Tenor: Jon Etxabe Arzuaga, Jelle Leistra, Diederik Rooker
Bass: Jan Douwes, Angus van Grevenbroek, Johan Vermeer

Production: Francesca Thompson