Papaya koncert: ​​​​​​​Nizar Rohana (Palæstina)

ENGLISH Text:

For Palestinian musician Nizar Rohana, the oud has been a lifelong companion. Growing up in a musical household, he was immersed in its melodies from an early age, often listening to his father play while his mother accompanied him on percussion. In November 2024, he released his third full-length album, Safa, a collection of solo oud performances, through the Australian label Worlds Within Worlds.

In Safa, Nizar delves into the depths of the solo oud, tracing his musical journey from the instrument’s earliest days in his life to the present. The title Safa, which in Arabic signifies purity, refinement, and clarity, mirrors the album’s intimate and stripped-back nature. It also symbolizes a desire for sanity and lucidity, particularly amidst the recent harsh realities unfolding in Palestine and the broader Middle East.

Safa is a rich blend of influences that highlights Nizar’s contemporary approach while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. The album weaves together three main musical strands, each reflecting a unique aspect of his artistry.

The first strand includes pieces in his signature compositional style. Tracks like Safa and Mayadin showcase Nizar’s distinctive approach, using melodic and rhythmic motifs that evolve in a way reminiscent of Western music preludes, such as those by J.S. Bach.

Next, the album features lyrical compositions. Tracks like Yasamin and Song Without Words have a tender, song-like quality, revealing Nizar’s maturity and emotional depth as a musician.
Finally, the album includes pieces inspired by the improvisational tradition (taqsim) of Arab classical music. Tracks like Bayati and Mufradat Nahawand draw on the legacy of legendary oud players Muhammad al-Qasabji and Riyad al-Sunbati, both of whom composed for the iconic Umm Kulthum.

The creation of Safa coincided with a difficult period for Nizar, set against the backdrop of the recent war in Gaza. The album became a way for him to confront despair and reaffirm the power of music, both as personal expression and as a reflection of collective identity.

On a deeply personal level, the album holds great significance. One track, Darwish, is dedicated to Nizar’s late father, who introduced him to the oud. The term Darwish refers to someone who opens doors, as well as to a humble wanderer content with little. “My father opened the door to music in my life,” Nizar reflects. “Though he didn’t live the life of a Darwish, in his soul, he truly was one. This album is dedicated to his memory.”

Nizar Rohana is a Palestinian oud player and composer renowned for blending virtuosity with modern compositions while honoring the oud’s authentic language. Born in the village of ‘Isifya on Mount Carmel, he studied with prominent Palestinian musicians, learning oud performance under Tayseer Elias, Arabic music theory and aesthetics with Khaled Jubran, and composition with Bishara Khell. Rohana emerged as a key figure in the Palestinian music scene, collaborating with artists like Youssef Hbeish and Sanaa Moussa, and teaching at the Edward Said National Conservatory.

Since moving to the Netherlands in 2013, Rohana has collaborated with leading local and international artists and ensembles, including Tony Overwater, Jasser Haj Youssef, the Atlas Ensemble, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, and others. He has also been part of the Netherlands Ud Festival since its inception in 2016. Rohana earned a PhD in practice-led research in 2021 from Leiden University, focusing on pre-composed improvisations inspired by the Egyptian legends Muhammad al-Qasabji and Riyad al-Sunbati. Beyond his performing career, he contributes as a guest teacher at esteemed institutions such as the University of Amsterdam, the Conservatory of Amsterdam, and Codarts in Rotterdam.

Rohana is currently working on new projects, including a trio album with Tony Overwater and Ruven Ruppik and a collaboration with Iranian oud master Yasamin Shahhosseini who visited Aalborg in 2024.

Arrangeret af Papaya & Huset

Med støtte fra Kunstrådet & Aalborg Kommune