From Palestine: Faris Ishaq plays nay and percussion at Tuned In London

Palestinian percussionist, Nay-player and composer, Faris Ishaq charts unexplored territories with the Nay, an ancient Middle Eastern flute dating back to 5000 B.C. Rooted in his Palestinian heritage and passion for the Nay, Faris celebrates its cultural legacy in today’s modern musical landscape. Renowned for revitalizing traditional Palestinian shepherd playing, known as 'Tashbib,' Faris also explores subtly rich pathways into contemporary jazz modern folk, thus highlighting the Nay’s incredible versatility. With an evocative and improvisational approach, Faris plays the Nay while simultaneously accompanying himself on leg-percussion, blending lyrical melodies, rhythmic beats, and captivating sound effects. Lebanese guest Tania Khalil will read some poetry.

Tickets are available on the Tuned In London website. If turning up on the door, please bring cash.

Born in Bethlehem, Palestine, where he resides today, Faris taught himself the Nay, driven by an impassioned curiosity to explore its sound in diverse musical contexts. Awarded a full scholarship to study Global Jazz Music at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Faris has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning jazz artists such as John Patitucci on their single “Supplication” and has been featured as a recording artist on the new “Assassin’s Creed: Mirage 2023,” nominated for BAFTA Film Awards. With three albums to his credit, he has performed at prestigious festivals and venues, including Kings Place, the Monterey, Panama and London Jazz Festivals and in Southwark Cathedral. Faris creates evocative music with a captivating visual dimension.

Faris Ishaq's website

For this performance we will be joined by the co-founder of the paracycling organisation Gaza Sunbirds, Karim Ali, himself a Bermondsey resident for several years and we invite donations to support their humanitarian work.

Doors will open at 6.45pm. A cash bar will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Bermondsey Tube Station is a 6 minute walk away. Buses 188, 47, 381, C10, P12 all run nearby.