Captivating mix of jazz, maqam, and improvisation
Reza Mirjalali and Loek van den Berg together form Sarmast, a unique duo in which Iranian and Western music come together. Sarmast, Persian for “intoxicated” or “ecstatic”, reflects the emotional intensity of their music. Mirjalali, a virtuoso on the Tar, Oud, and Kalimba, grew up in Iran and was surrounded by Radif and Makam traditions.
Van den Berg, an award-winning saxophonist, is known for his lyrical and captivating style. In addition to the saxophone, he plays the duduk, through which he connects with Eastern traditions in a unique way.
Through improvisation and experimentation, they forge a contemporary sound world in which jazz, maqam music, and modern compositions flow into one another.
Grachtenhuis Garden Concert
The theme of the Grachtenfestival this year is green! The House, Garden, and Rooftop Terrace Concerts have therefore been replaced this year by a series of concerts in and around the famous canal gardens. Gardens were included in the design of the canal belt. Hidden behind the facades of the stately canal houses, these gardens form the city's hidden greenery. A 17th-century law still protects the gardens. Especially for this year, a number of these gardens are accessible for a concert!
