"This Kulsan project presents an encounter between Oriental intense mysticism and the stark reality of Andalusia. The historical associations and mutual influence between Southern-Spanish flamenco and the mystical Eastern Sufi’s are distinctly present in both cultures and make the encounter an unforgettable experience. From Sufi to Flamenco entails music from monasteries and palaces juxtaposed with the expression of the people.
In the flamenco of Southern Spain, in the music, the rhythms and dance, there is an unmistakable Oriental source present, which originated with the mystical eastern Sufi's of the 12th century.The Sufi's and Dervishes paid little attention to the border between the two Islamic Caliphates in the east and west and there was a large mystical movement in Andalusia that came from the Middle East. The influence was mutual and, as a result of their music spreading abroad, Spanish Jewish composers played a large role in the colorful Ottoman music that emerged in Istanbul at the sultan’s court and in the Islamic Dervish monasteries. In each region the music developed in its own way, however the signs of mutual influence are still evident. The resulting sense of recognition and the surprise of the extraordinary interpretations makes this convergence of Oriental and Mediterranean music really exciting.The ‘Ilahi’ (Islamic hymn) introduced by the Sufi singer from Turkey is effortlessly and naturally continued in the Martinete and Seguiryas (forms of flamenco) by the Spanish flamenco singer. Combination of string instruments such as the kanun with guitar, rhythmic combination on the caja and küdum, and the mystical melodies of the ney build a tension which eventually returns to serenity in the accompanying singing. The rhythm and movement of the Dervish and flamenco dance and the consonance of the Ilahi and Martinete blur all boundaries.
The passion of Flamenco meets Sufi Chants
From Sufi to Flamenco
Sufi & Flamenco fusion
