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 gained a solid place in the Dutch music scene. He already worked as a composer at the Bimhuis, International Music Meeting, North Sea Jazz, November Music, Grachtenfestival, and Paradox. He has written music for several projects in theatre, film and dance.
"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).
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.
In 2022 Nawras graduated from the HKU conservatory, as a composer and a vocalist, then he continued his journey at the Masters of Music program and in 2024 he earned his Master’s degree in composition, and practice-led research at the Conservatory of Utrecht.
Currently an 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.
He is granted the titel Stadscomponist of Utrecht for the year 2025 and he will premiering a new composition in of June 2025 during the Composer Day.
As a performer, Altaky has collaborated with many artists such as Ellen Ten Damme, Naissam Jalal, Fuensanta Mendez, Janne Schra, Nai Barghouti, Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Binkbeats, Kika Sprangers, Maya Fridman , Tijn Wybenga, Oene Van Geel, Tony Roe and Caro Emerald.