Mehdi Nassouli & Marmoucha Orchestra

Get carried away with Sonic Bridges, a groundbreaking concert in which the Marmoucha Orchestra and Moroccan guembri master Mehdi Nassouli join forces. Fiery gnawa rhythms meet the freedom of modern jazz, interwoven with influences from Southwest Asia and North Africa. The unique chemistry between these musicians grew out of years of collaboration. This makes for a compelling sound that brings together tradition and innovation in unprecedented ways. Sonic Bridges was selected for the renowned festival Jazzahead! 2024 and praised for its artistic originality. This concert in the Musica Mundo Series 2025 is a unique experience full of inspiration, improvisation and musical crossovers.

Led by artistic director Arin Keshishi, Marmoucha Orchestra creates a unique sound in which centuries-old musical traditions from the Arab world merge with contemporary styles such as jazz and fusion. With inspired top musicians, the ensemble is known for its adventurous approach and musicianship.

Special guest Mehdi Nassouli is a master of the guembri, a three-stringed wooden lute, and a figurehead of Moroccan gnawa music. His hypnotic playing and powerful voice provide goosebump moments time and again. His impressive collaborations with such greats as Herbie Hancock and Alpha Blondy underscore his extraordinary talent for seamlessly intertwining the tradition of Moroccan gnawa music with jazz, classical and pop.