NAWRAS ALTAKY
Music Performance Artist, Composer
Nawras Altaky is a Syrian/Dutch composer, singer, and Ud player based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Utrechtse Stadscomponist (composer of the city Utrecht) 2025.
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.
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.
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.