ARIFA ft. Avin Ahmadi

ARIFA, formerly known as Afro Anatolian Tales, was founded in Amsterdam in 2010 by Turkish-Dutch percussionist Sjahin During. Drawing inspiration from the musical traditions of the Silk Road, the ensemble explores connections between cultures stretching from Anatolia and the Black Sea region to Persia and India.

Their music combines traditional songs, rhythms and melodies with contemporary arrangements, acoustic instruments, electronics and improvisation. The result is a rich and evolving sound that reflects centuries of cultural exchange between East and West.

Over the years, ARIFA has released seven albums and performed in more than 30 countries across five continents. The ensemble has appeared at leading venues and festivals including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, North Sea Jazz, the Southbank Centre in London, the Kennedy Center in Washington, WOMEX and Jazzahead.

Collaboration lies at the heart of ARIFA's work. Through encounters with musicians from diverse musical traditions, the ensemble continues to develop new stories, new dialogues and new artistic perspectives, creating performances that are rooted in tradition while open to innovation.

For this special performance, ARIFA is joined by Iranian vocalist and oud player Avin Ahmadi, whose expressive voice and deep roots in the Persian musical tradition add a new dimension to the ensemble's Silk Road journey.

This concert is presented in collaboration with the Festival for Peace (9th edition), commemorating the end of the First and Second World Wars.