Rich Mix,

35-47 Bethnal Green Road
London, E1 6LA

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Arab Christmas – Exploring the early Arab Christian Chants .

Come to experience the atmosphere as Rich Mix venue is gently lit by candles in a very rare opportunity to hear chants from the Aramaic/Syriac and Byzantine traditions, harking back to the time of Queen Zanubia’s reign of Palmyra.

It was in the second century, during the reign of Queen Zanubia, that Christianity reached the ancient Syrian caravan city of Palmyra. Her rule witnessed the emergence of the first church melodies out of the secular Aramaic music of Syria and Iraq.

Coptic Egyptian/German singer Merit Ariane Stephanos and Father Shafiq Abouzayd introduce the audience to this music, in particular to the chanting traditions of the Levantine and Byzantine churches.

The sound world of these chants is rich with quartertones and virtuosic ornamentation. Accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Jon Banks on qanun and santur, this concert illuminates the earliest roots of Christianity and celebrates the diverse musical traditions of the ancient Middle Eastern world.

Further info and bookings here.