NAWRAS ALTAKY

Nawras Altaky is a Syrian-Dutch composer, vocalist, and Oud player based in Utrecht whose work seamlessly bridges ancient modal traditions with contemporary innovations and interdisciplinary forms.

 

"What makes his music unique is the way in which he organically and subtly combines jazz, Maqam, and elements from classical composed music in his compositions and improvisations." - New Music Now

 

Appointed as the 2025 City Composer of Utrecht, Altaky embedded his unique language into the city's architectural soundscape, most notably composing the piece 466th! specifically for the medieval carillon bells of the iconic Dom Tower.

 

During the Day of the Composer, Nawras premiered a big band work dedicated to Utrecht titled A City Woven in Music, which was followed by a successful tour. One year later, he premiered and toured with a new work written for symphonic orchestra, Flight Over the Abyss.

 

Nawras holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Composition and Practice-Led Research from the Utrecht Conservatory (HKU). He is often invited as guest lecturer and teacher at the HKU and ArtEZ academies.

 

In 2025, as an artist-in-residence at the BIMHUIS for their Reflex series, premiered his septet project ‘Arise!’ at the Bimhuis. Followed by the recording of his debut album in December 2025. Released in early 2026, “Arise!” earned widespread critical acclaim and currently nominated for an Edison Jazz Award.

 

“A debut, yes – but the kind that arrives sounding like a fourth or fifth record. Arabic maqam, jazz harmony and classical counterpoint coil around one another without any of the strain that usually accompanies the word ‘fusion'. Altaky’s baritone, which NRC has described as “fascinating” and “warm”, holds the room.” — Songlines | songlines.co.uk/reviews/arise

 

As a cultural taste-maker, he actively shapes the programming of major Dutch stages, serving as a curator for the Internationaal Kamermuziekfestival Utrecht (IKFU) and Amsterdam's On The Roof festival.

 

He is the incoming artist-in-residence at Festival Dag in de Branding (2027–2028), where he is currently developing his first solo theatrical opera,”The Mountain Seabird”.

 

As a musician and composer, he is an integral part of the Dutch cultural ecosystem, highlighted by composition commissions from the International Music Meeting Nijmegen (2020), Grachtenfestival Amsterdam (2021), Paradox Tilburg (2023), Bimhuis Amsterdam (2024), Gaudeamus/New Music Now Utrecht (2025), International Kamermuziek Festival (2025/2026).

 

As a performer, Altaky has collaborated with prominent artists such as Ellen ten Damme, Naissam Jalal, Caro Emerald, Maya Fridman, and Oene Van Geel.

 

He has written music for theater, film, and dance productions, and is involved in educational projects for the Bimhuis, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Muziekroute in Utrecht.

 

In 2022, his collaborative project with Tijn Wybenga's Brainteaser premiered at North Sea Jazz and November Music.

 

Quotes: “ The septet creates a sound that is simultaneously familiar and exotic. The album is a fusion of multiple worlds is a convincing musical debut that builds a bridge between cultures and styles and touches deeply... Cultural crosspollination is not a gimmick but living practice.” — Jazzism | jazzism.nl/recensies "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