SOUK – Amsterdam Arabic Festival 2025

Performances in the Main Hall

Join us on a journey in the footsteps of the great explorer Ibn Battuta. Battuta left Tangier, Morocco, in the early 14th century for an unprecedented journey of over 30 years through the Arab world. His colorful storytelling and his thirst for adventure take us on a musical exploration that brings together different cultures. A new creation by the Dutch National Ballet, inspired by a destination of our journey, will also have its world premiere.

Superstar Carole Samaha

We are delighted that Carole Samaha will give a concert during the second part of the program. Performing with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, the Egyptian-Lebanese singer will play both her well-known hits and new songs, undoubtedly full of grandeur and passion. In her native Lebanon, Carole Samaha became famous as an actress before her breakthrough as a singer. With her powerful voice, she combines Arabic pop with classical influences into a style all her own. She has since become one of the most popular artists in the Arab world, with several albums reaching the top of the charts in several countries. This is Carole Samaha's second time performing during SOUK. She also performed at the festival in 2014. During this year's anniversary edition, she will repeat the success of that time with a new set.

Udvirtuoso Naseer Shamma

Also a guest during SOUK: Naseer Shamma, the famous ud player from Iraq. He studied at the Institute of Music Studies in Baghdad and received his PhD in philosophy of music. He won many awards internationally, including the Royal British Academy Award. Worldwide, he is introducing new audiences to the richness of Arab musical traditions. Using his music to contribute to a better world, Shamma is a UNESCO Artist for PEACE and Ambassador of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra

In this musical journey, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra meets with several well-known and surprising international artists. Led by Polish-Lebanese conductor Bassem Akiki, the orchestra gives a new, symphonic perspective to the music of the artists and dives into different musical traditions. Especially for SOUK, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra will be expanded with Arab instrumentalists on the ud, qanun and darbuka. There will be authentic and nostalgic sounds as well as modern surprises.

Extensive foyer program

You begin your evening wandering around in the foyers, which are transformed into a classic souk as you know it from the medinas of the Middle East and North Africa. Later in the evening, these spaces transform into a new world: a modern Arab-Western world souk. From the nostalgia of the past to the present of the youngest generations of the Arab diaspora in the Netherlands. Enjoy the diverse music, stories, poetry, art, dance, snacks and drinks.

20 years SOUK

In 2005, the first edition of SOUK took place. For 20 years SOUK has brought cultures together and brought many stars to The Concertgebouw, such as Nawal El Zoghbi, Asma Lmnawar, Carole Samaha, Assala Nasri, Mohamed Hamaki Abderrahim Souiri, Mustpha Bourgogne and many others...

SOUK is a collaboration of The Concertgebouw, the SOUK Foundation and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and is made possible in part by Ammodo, The Concertgebouw Fund and the Marmoucha Foundation.

N.B. Festival snacks and appetizers will be available during SOUK; no full meal will be served.