“Sounds of Sudan was a stunning collaboration between the Bristol oud duo Nabra and groundbreaking Ligeti String Quartet. Sudanese songs were brilliantly reworked for this novel lineup and both groups were asked to respond with real sensitivity and flair. The music captured the vibrant soundworld of Sudan with authenticity whilst forging its own original sound - the performance was a celebration of joyful artistry and the collaborative musical spirit. ” - Ben Spencer, Head of Programme St.George's Bristol

Sounds of Sudan is an exciting, brand new collaboration between the Bristol based oud duo Nabra and one of the UK’s leading contemporary ensembles the Ligeti String Quartet. We are journeying through the different regions of Sudan – Khartoum, Omdurman, Darfur – weaving new arrangements inspired by the rich musical culture of the country: traditional Sufi music, popular artists such as Abdel Gadir Salim and Nour Al Jilani, the evocative rhythms and scales of the region.

The Ligeti Quartet says: “This is our first encounter with the music of Sudan and also our first collaboration with ouds. So we’re hugely excited to perform these fantastic new arrangements by Knud Stüwe , which demonstrate a deep knowledge of both Sudanese and western classical traditions, as well as some playful use of extended techniques on our own instruments – the project brings together many things which we highly value in music making”.

We are very grateful for the public funding from the National Lottery through the Arts Council England.

“The pairing of immigrant musicians with local musicians is one of the most enlightened ideas I’ve heard of in a long time. Every country, every city needs a Bristol Refugee Rights charity. The Ligeti Quartet found fantastic partners in Ali Elmubarak and Knud Stuwe. I hope this partnership is the beginning chapter in a life-long musical adventure” - David Harrington, founder of the Kronos Quartet

Outside Press Play Studio just after finishing recording. From left to right: Knud Stüwe oud, Val Welbanks cello, Simmy Singh guest violin 1, Richard Jones viola, PatrickDawkins violin 2 and Ali Elmubarak vocals.

Jeenaki

Sounds of Sudan

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Sounds of Sudan is the result of a new collaboration between the Bristol based oud duo Nabra and the Ligeti quartet. Sudanese music in new colours combining the traditional Sudanee instrument, the oud with a contemporary string quartet.
These are richly poetic songs of love and longing, sometimes with hidden political messages such as in Abdel

Sounds of Sudan is the result of a new collaboration between the Bristol based oud duo Nabra and the Ligeti quartet. Sudanese music in new colours combining the traditional Sudanee instrument, the oud with a contemporary string quartet.
These are richly poetic songs of love and longing, sometimes with hidden political messages such as in Abdel Gadir Salim’s Jeenaki which uses the migration of Geese as a metaphor for people displaced.
Tum Tum a style originating in Ali Elmubarak’s home town Omdurman features with Sabah Alnuwr a traditional song and Donia by Ibrahim Mousa Aba.
The album also includes two very beautiful pieces both using the popular Merdoum rhythm by the great Abdel Gadir Salim.
Salim, born in Kordofan studied in Egypt which led him to incorporate Middle Eastern scales not commonly used in Sudanese music.

1

Almawada 4:43

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2

Donia 4:04

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3

Jeenaki 8:42

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4

Weyn Zaman El Hanan 5:00

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5

Sabah Alnuwr 6:02

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6

Bassama 5:18

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7

What a Beautiful Night 3:47

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