Samara Ensemble

Samara explores the modal landscape of music from the Middle East and the Nordic countries and the potential of what is common and what is new. Their artistic tools are melodies, both vocal and instrumental, rhythm and improvisation.

Samara, a musical meeting between Nordic and oriental tradition. Ahmad al Khatib (oud), Avin Omar (vocals), Youssef Hbeisch (perc), Larisa Ljungkrona (accordion, vocals), Stefan Bergman (bass), Sten Källman (sax).

Trio Samara, consisting of the Palestinian former player Ahmad al Khatib, bassist Stefan Bergman and saxophonist Sten Källman carried out a major project funded by the Swedish Music Agency in 2018. They then wanted to expand the ensemble with Larisa Ljungkrona on accordion, the Kurdish singer Avin Omar and the Palestinian percussionist Youssef Hbeisch. With a tour in the Middle East and Sweden, it became a very successful adventure that has since continued.

Avin sings in Kurdish, but also Arabic and Persian and the accordionist Larisa uses her voice in textless improvisation and Finnish runo songs.