NAWRAS ALTAKY
Music Performance Artist, Composer
Nawras Altaky is a Syrian/Dutch composer, singer, and Ud player based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. "With his musical originality and ability to transcend genres, Altaky has quickly developed into a powerful artistic voice in the Dutch music scene.” — New Music Now
This year, Nawras was appointed the title (Composer of the City Utrecht). “Rightly a rising star because of his fusion of Syrian tradition with contemporary crossovers, a blend that is as self-evident as it is sublime. Altaky manifests himself as more than a musician's musician, and was rightly chosen as City Composer of Utrecht this year. ” — MixedWorldMusic
He already worked as a composer at the Bimhuis, International Music Meeting, North Sea Jazz, November Music, International Chamber Music Festival, Grachtenfestival, and Paradox. He has written music for several projects in theatre, film and dance.
"What makes his music unique is the way in which he organically and subtly combines jazz, Arabic maqam, and elements from classical composed music in his compositions and improvisations." - New Music Now
"Altaky has a fascinating, warm baritone with which he can sing with breathtaking, colourful softness, effectively building up tension through his sublime sense of timing" (NRC).
Nawras graduated from the Utrechts Conservatory l HKU as a composer and vocalist, and completed his Master's degree in composition and practice-led research at the Conservatory of Utrecht.
2025 artist-in-residence at the Bimhuis as part of their Reflex series, Nawras presents “Arise!" A tribute to the unwavering spirit of survivors around the world, a reminder that within each of us lies the potential for greatness, waiting for an opportunity to blossom.
"Altaky is a magnetizing performer. When Nawras Altaky performs, his baritone voice and the oud resonate in flawless harmony. Or perhaps it is the other way around? They draw closer, merging into a single, unified being." — NRC