+ Support from Syrian singer Rama Alcoutlabi

Join the internationally acclaimed traditional Arabic Takht ensemble for an evening of Egyptian music from the 19th and 20th centuries in a special concert for the EFG London Jazz Festival 2026

Described as “revolutionary” by Songlines for their debut album The Wax Cylinder Recordings, Oxford Maqam are renowned innovators of classical Arabic music, having sold out venues both at home and internationally. This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience live renditions of music steeped in Arab heritage in a spectacularly ornate setting.

The evening is presented by Arts Canteen and Grand Junction for EFG London Jazz Festival 2026

Part of Grand Junction’s Right Here, Right Now programme, supported by the DCMS and Arts Council England (Supporting Grassroots Music fund).

ARTISTS

Oxford Maqam

Pioneering Oxford Maqam comprises vocalists and musicians who are renowned experts in their field ofE gyptian music of the ​19th and 20th centuries.

They first met fifteen years ago, and now regularly sell out venues both at home and internationally, taking their album tour from London’s Kings Place to the Kuwait Opera House. Their self-produced album, described as ‘revolutionary’ by Songlines magazine, used recording techniques from over one hundred years ago. Offering fresh and entertaining recreations, they have captured the imaginations of UK, Europe and Middle Eastern audiences alike.

Whilst the Arabic music scene is filled with innovators of contemporary popular music, Oxford Maqam are innovators of classical Arabic music. Their revival of historical works remains an original process, and their concerts ​offer a rare opportunity to experience live renditions of a music steeped in Arab heritage.

Rama Alcoutlabi (Support Act)

A Syrian vocalist, researcher, and music educator based in London. Trained in Middle Eastern classical singing at the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, her work explores sacred, devotional, and traditional vocal practices from the Levant, Iran, and neighbouring regions.

Working across performance, research, and socially engaged arts, Rama is interested in the relationship between music, spirituality, identity, and freedom. Her artistic and academic practice investigates how voice functions not only as a musical medium, but also as a site through which communities negotiate memory, belief, belonging, and transformation.

After completing a degree in Environmental Engineering, Rama was awarded a scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in London in humanitarian research and methodologies. She is currently undertaking graduate studies at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, where her research focuses on religious music and devotional traditions of the Levant and Iran, engaging theological and philosophical frameworks to examine questions of selfhood, meaning, and human freedom. She intends to continue this work through doctoral research at University of Cambridge.

Rama is also the founder of Music for Peace Building, an initiative that began inside a refugee camp and explores the role of music in education, wellbeing, and community resilience among displaced populations. Alongside her research, she collaborates with cultural institutions, theatres, charities, and international partners, creating performances and projects that bridge artistic practice, scholarship, and social engagement.

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Arts Canteen

Established in 2010, we curate and produce events, exhibitions and festivals that support emerging, mid-career and established artists from the Arab world and surrounding regions, bringing their work to new audiences in the UK and beyond. We now have an international reputation for excellence and innovation in our work.