In keeping with the spirit of Zar, women play the main role in the Egyptian band Mazaher: Um Sameh, Um Hassan and Nour El Sabah are among the last performers of the genre. An ancient tradition dating back centuries, Zar is a ritual music that helps to purify and reconcile the soul, so it also plays an important part in countless rites.
Zar music is believed to be of East African origin, and although the tradition flourished mainly in Egypt, the ritual practice itself was known as far away as the Arabian Peninsula and Persia. The Mazaher ensemble presents not only the music of the ceremony, but the ritual itself as well. The opening night of Budapest Ritmo will not only set the tone for the concert series, but will also help you to become spiritually attuned for the special experiences. No less sacred are the dimensions into which the evening’s opening act, the Moroccan Tariqa elevates the audience. Founded by Saïd Tichiti, the band plays gnawa, an ancient form of trance music, “the oldest rock’n’roll in the world that goes back 4000 years”. It would be a shame to miss it.

Prior to the concert, at 6.30pm the Mazaher will hold an instrumental workshop in the Lecture Hall of the House of Music. The workshop can be attended free of charge by concert ticket holders, but prior registration is required. THE WORKSHOP IS SOLD OUT.

This concert of the Bartók Spring is presented by Müpa Budapest as a joint event with Hangvető and House of Music Hungary.