From Oud to Lute

Like a melting pot, many cultures came together on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages and the Early Renaissance: Arab influences met Jewish and Christian ones, joined by Basque, Visigothic, and Celtic traditions. And they all brought their music with them! Alongside the fierce and protracted conflicts surrounding the Reconquista, this isa story of mutual inspiration; this diverse musical heritage is at the heart of the concert. 

Two ensembles come together here to unite these musical worlds and present a repertoire from that turbulent era. The program features works fromSpanish manuscripts of the Middle Ages and the Early Renaissance, as well as historical Arabic songs from the “Andalusian” repertoire. The multilingual title refers to the European lute’s descent from the Arabic oud and emphasizes cultural ties, respect, and appreciation for their shared artistic heritage.