Paris, Sunday, 9 November 2025:
Global Mazzika Orchestra, led by Maestra Dr Amal Qurmazi, continues to shape the contours of an exceptional Arab musical project on the stages of the most prominent Arab and international venues, carrying the heartbeat and sensitivity of the East into new spaces where the authentic Arab voice meets a vast global horizon — from Arab capitals to the heart of Europe.
An Arab musical project with a global vision
“Mazzika” has emerged on the international music scene as the first Arab orchestra with a fully global production model. In recent years, it has moved beyond the traditional framework of performing concerts to establish itself as a fully fledged artistic institution that develops distinctive projects and hosts a diverse roster of Arab voices in multiple collaborations. At the core of its vision lies the ambition to reintroduce Arab music in a contemporary form that stands on par with the finest productions worldwide.
A European tour with a special flavour featuring Salim Assaf
In this context, the orchestra’s latest European tour carried a unique character, as Mazzika Orchestra shared the stage for the very first time with the multi-talented artist Salim Assaf, who combines in his career the roles of composer, lyricist and singer. It was a musical encounter that united the power of a live orchestra with the subtlety of words and melody, bringing together the symphonic orchestral tradition and the Lebanese–Arab spirit that Assaf infuses into his work.
The tour kicked off with a first concert in Paris on 7 November at Théâtre du Blanc-Mesnil, where “Mazzika” and Salim Assaf lit up the Parisian night with a full programme that was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, continuous interaction and repeated applause. The magic then moved the following evening to the Belgian capital, Brussels, on 8 November, where Flagey hosted a unique musical night in which the audience experienced moments of wonder and enchantment, turning the evening into a live celebration of Arab musical identity in the heart of Europe.
A programme that bridges Arab classics and Assaf’s biggest hits
The musical programme unfolded like a lavish canvas of colours and rhythms: a selection of Arab classics newly arranged especially for this tour in a modern symphonic spirit brimming with life, alongside a set of compositions and songs by Salim Assaf that have contributed to the success and wide reach of major stars such as Saber Rebai, Wael Kfoury, Najwa Karam and others. The result was an elegant dialogue between memory and modernity, between the legacy of the Arab song and its renewed voice on the global stage.
Throughout both evenings, the audience journeyed between deeply emotional passages and more rhythmic sections, in a single musical voyage that blended Eastern warmth with the expansive language of contemporary orchestral arrangement.
“Rajjaa Liye”… a live premiere on stage
In a special surprise for the audience, Salim Assaf performed his new song “Rajjaa Liye” (Come back to me ) live on stage for the very first time, prior to its official release. His performance combined poignancy and power, earning an exceptional response from the audience, who received the piece as a “first birth” of the song before their eyes. The moment was accompanied by prolonged applause and visible excitement, making it one of the emotional high points of the musical evening.
Maestra Amal Qurmazi… a woman at the podium with world-class standards
Two pure nights of musical brilliance showcased the artistic excellence of Maestra Dr Amal Qurmazi, who has proven time and again that she is much more than just an orchestra conductor. She is a truly exceptional artistic phenomenon, blending rigorous professionalism with deep human sensitivity, leading a constellation of highly skilled musicians with a refined flow that evokes grandeur and awakens the senses. Every movement of the baton told a story of confidence and experience, reflecting the finest image of an Arab woman in a position of high artistic leadership.
Two sold-out nights… and a new date at Bataclan
Following the major public success of the Paris and Brussels concerts — both of which were completely sold out — the orchestra announced the addition of a third night with Salim Assaf at the legendary Bataclan Theatre in the heart of Paris, on 29 November of this year. This special evening comes as an extension of this series of concerts, which together form a celebration of the Arab musical spirit, where generations and cultures meet on a single note of beauty.
With these performances, Mazzika Orchestra, led by Maestra Dr Amal Qurmazi and joined on this tour by Salim Assaf, delivered a level of artistry worthy of the world’s great stages, embodying the essence of refined Arab music and its ability to travel from East to West without the need for translation.
A musical message that transcends borders
With each note played, and every moment of silence that precedes the birth of a melody, Mazzika Orchestra reaffirms that Arab music is far more than tunes to be heard; it is a cultural message pulsing with emotion, uniting hearts and transcending languages and borders. In doing so, it further cements “Mazzika” as one of the most significant contemporary Arab musical projects on the international scene today.