Göteborgs Konserthus Notes from Damascus
Event has already taken place. Arabic music meets jazz with Maya Youssef – master of the 78-string instrument called qanun.
Friday 25 April 2025 19.30 — Event has already taken place
Event has already taken place
Syrian musician and composer Maya Youssef lives in the UK, where she has been celebrated in the press as the “Queen of the qanun” – an instrument with 78 strings, related to the cittern.
The qanun is traditionally played by men, but this hasn’t stopped Maya Youssef, ever since she first heard the instrument in Damascus. Her dramatic, yet contemplative compositions pursue emotional healing through music – a life-affirming antidote to the death and desolation that have been underway in her home country, and currently taking place in the Middle East.
The critically acclaimed debut album Syrian Dreams has earned multiple prizes from around the world and resulted in prestigious performances on WOMAD and BBC Proms. She is also a teacher and has explored how music can help bring a sense of security to refugee children in Syria.
Get in the mood
DJ Said plays records in the foyer before the concert and the bar is open. Bring all your friends and come!
Listen
Get to know Maya Youssef.
Participants
Everything you need to know before your visit
Here you will find all the necessary information that you need to know about before your magical visit in the Concert Hall.
Add extra sparkle to your visit
Invite yourself or someone you like to an experience for all the senses. Welcome to visit the Concert Hall's restaurant or one of our foyer bars.
Art with music in focus
Many of the works of art in Gothenburg Concert Hall are connected to music or have a relationship with Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra. Here you will find everything from portraits of composers such as Grieg and Sibelius to one of Sweden's largest tapestries, with design by Sven X-et Erixson.
031-726 53 00
biljett@gso.se