Cellist

“Djoussour,” in Arabic, means “the bridges.” This second evening of the “In Praise of Learned People” festival serves precisely as a bridge, erected between artists, cultures, and musical languages ​​that are constantly evolving. From Baghdad to Paris, exile has always been a source of inspiration for composer, oud player, and singer Fawzy Al-Aiedy. This dual rootedness, both painful and transcendent, has been reflected in his creations for over 40 years. Today, he shares this story with his son Amin, creating a new alchemy and intimacy. The duo reveals Iraqi folk music in all its facets, whether drawn from popular tradition or from Fawzy's original repertoire, inspired by maqams (musical modes) and nourished by Arabic rhythms. Amin's arrangements on double bass and oud contribute to giving a new luster to these reinterpretations.

Fawzy & Amin Al Aiedy / Yeni Gayda + Merve Salgar

Opéra National De Lyon

Eight albums, more than fifteen years at the heart of French rap – and still the same driving force: to rise higher, to reinvent himself again. Youssoupha is back in Montpellier with a concert that blends his most powerful lyrics with the strength of a gospel choir and an orchestra, under the musical direction of cellist Olivier Koundouno. A meeting of three worlds that, on stage, do far more than coexist: they merge. Manu Sauvage's piano sets the rhythm, the foundation of the rapper's sound. The orchestra unfolds its fantastic dynamics, its nuances, its surges. The gospel choir elevates everything to a rare emotional and spiritual dimension. And at the center, Youssoupha, his committed words, his strength, and his poetry.

Cellist

Olivier Koundouno

Events

Upcoming events

Oct 22, 2026

Fawzy & Amin Al Aiedy / Yeni Gayda + Merve Salgar · Opéra National De Lyon

Mar 27, 2027

Youssoupha: Symphonic Gospel Experience · Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier

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