Aga Khan Master Musicians

About this event

Their concerts bring together five exceptional performers from the Aga Khan Master Musicians collective. Wu Man is a world leading virtuoso on the pipa, a Chinese lute, and a passionate advocate of her country’s traditional music. Syrian-born multi-instrumentalist Basel Rajoub has developed an entirely new repertoire for the saxophone, while his compatriot Feras Charestan is a master on the qanun, a Middle Eastern plucked zither. Turkish oud master Yurdal Tokcan and Uzbek-born Abbos Kosimov, a virtuoso on the doira frame drum, complete the outstanding quintet of Aga Khan Master Musicians.

They are joined by two eminent French musicians who are themselves celebrated for their explorations across musical genres. Award-winning accordionist, singer and composer Vincent Peirani has worked across jazz, contemporary music and improvisation, while Vincent Ségal is a renowned cellist and bassist who has collaborated with artists including Sting, Cesaria Evora and Elvis Costello.

All seven musicians come together to create a body of new work in which their distinct musical traditions meet, intertwine, and evolve. Inspired by the historic routes linking Asia and the Mediterranean, this cross-continental collaboration reflects a shared artistic language shaped through dialogue, exchange, and imagination. The result is a richly textured sound world—a living expression of cultural heritage reimagined by some of today’s most compelling voices.

Featuring

Feras Charestan, qanun

Abbos Kosimov, doira

Basel Rajoub, saxophone, duclar

Yurdal Tokcan, oud

Wu Man, pipa

Vincent Peirani, accordion

Vincent Ségal, cello

Presented in partnership with The Ismaili Center, Houston