NAWRAS ALTAKY

Nawras Altaky is a vocalist, composer, and Ud player based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Born in 1995 in As-Suwayda region of south Syria.

With a diverse range of experiences, Nawras has worked as a composer at renowned events such as the North Sea Jazz, November Music Festival, Music Meeting Festival, Grachtenfestival, Paradox, and more. He has also had the privilege of performing at prestigious venues including Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Paradiso, Bimhuis, TivoliVredenburg, and Le Guess Who, among others.

Nawras's compositions and performances are characterized by his exploration of new world music through interdisciplinary collaborations and contemporary music projects. His repertoire spans classical, traditional, modern, experimental, and new world music, showcasing his versatility and artistic vision.

 

Critics have praised Nawras's warm baritone voice, describing it as breathtaking, colorful, and capable of building tension through impeccable timing. As a graduate from the conservatoire of Utrecht, Nawras is currently pursuing a Masters degree focused on composition and performance arts at Utrecht Conservatory.

 

Nawras's compositions reflect his deep connection to different musical cultures, particularly Arabic and Western music. He skillfully merges these influences to create contemporary and modern compositions enriched with the beauty of Arabic melodies, the freedom of jazz harmonies, and the power of classical counterpoint.

 

Driven by values such as freedom, humility, honesty, love, and joy, Nawras draws inspiration from his beliefs to deliver powerful messages through his music. He incorporates text, performance arts, and visual arts to enhance the impact of his work.

 

Nawras considers himself an activist and a change maker. In 2020, he wrote the song "SOS Moria" to raise awareness and support for 500 children in the refugee camp Moria. The composition was performed as a solidarity action across the Netherlands by various artists and even through church bells.

 

As a performer, Nawras has shared the stage with esteemed artists such as Caro Emerald, Ellen Ten Damme, Oene van Geel, Janne Schra, Kim Hoorweg, Nai Barghouti, Toni Roe, NBE, Nizar Rohana, and many others.

Nawras's contributions to the music scene extend beyond his compositions and performances. He has worked as a composer at the Music Meeting in Nijmegen and premiered several compositions at festivals such as the Music Meeting festival and the Grachtenfestival. Notably, his composition "Labels Are Not Our Names" was commissioned by the Grachtenfestival and premiered at Paradiso Amsterdam, conveying a powerful message against labelling, dehumanization, and thinking in boxes.