Tafahum - together, agreement, understanding.

Pembroke Academy of Music is looking to take part in a major recording of this project. The CD will feature new works for Arabic folk ensemble and professional orchestra, the concerto Tafahum for Ney and Symphony Orchestra and a specially commissioned anthem for folk ensemble, orchestra and Academy students. It will mark the next exciting chapter of the developing programme of music collaboration at Pembroke House and Pembroke Academy. It will also provide a thrilling conclusion to the current stage of the project whilst providing a stunning opportunity for the students at Pembroke Academy.

Tafahum is a collaborative, cross-cultural music project. Stemming from initial Middle Eastern music workshops at Pembroke Academy of Music in Walworth, London, it has developed into an expansive collaborative musical entity. It involves professional soloists, new commissions, crossover performances and ongoing development work.

Tafahum was showcased in concert in July 2008 at St John’s, Smith Square, London. At the centre of the performance was a concerto for Ney Soloist and Symphony Orchestra. This concerto, also, entitled Tafahum, unites the musical worlds of the Western Symphony Orchestra and the Takht Sharqi ensemble (led by Syrian musician and Ney Soloist Louai Alhenawi) with students from Pembroke Academy.

Tafahum explores and develops musical traditions from different cultures, but, far from exposing divergences, it reveals similar threads that run through both musical fabrics.

What they said:

‘I just wanted to say congratulations for a great concert tonight!’
Kalia Baklitzanaki, Greek and Arabic Music Soloist

‘Many, many congratulations once again on the fantastic concert last night. The evening was clearly a huge success - and your new concerto is stunning!’
Fiona Southey, Music Publisher

‘I really enjoyed last night - and just wanted to write and thank you! I thought your Concerto was brilliant - it really worked.’
Mike Cobb, Head of Prince’s Trust Music Publishing

If you would like to provide a donation to help support this innovative recording project please visit our contributions page and specify when you donate that this is for the Tafahum project.

More information

• Video Extract

• 
  Click play to view a short video with Louai and Benjamin talking about the project.

• Listen

• 
  Click play to listen to an extract from Tafahum recorded at the July 2008 performance.

• Contribute

• If you would like to provide a donation to help support this innovative recording project please visit our contributions page and specify when you donate that this is for the Tafahum project.

• Contact Details

• To find out more about the project please contact:
  Benjamin Ellin - Email
  Tel: 020 7703 3803

• Gallery

• Click the small images to open the gallery from rehearsals.