Siwan, the transcultural, trans-idiomatic musical collective led by Norwegian keyboardist/composer Jon Balke, continues along its special path, with new music inspired by the creative spirit of Al-Andalus. The ensemble weaves lines of communication between musicians from multiple traditions and locations. Among the texts set by Balke on Siwan's third album and persuasively sung by Algerian vocalist Mona Boutchebak are verses by Ummayad princess Wallada bint al-Mustakfi (1010-1091) and contemporaries including Ibn Zaydun (1003-1071) and Ibn Sara As-Santarini (1043-1123). Hafla was recorded in May and June 2021 at Village Recording Studios, in Copenhagen. Jon Balke: keyboards, electronics, tombak Mona Boutchebak: vocals, quitra Derya Turkan: kemene Bjarte Eike: Baroque violin Helge Norbakken Percussion Pedram Khavar Zamini Tombak Per Buhre Vocals, Viola

Artists

Jon Balke (keyboards, percussion, piano), Mona Boutchebak (oud), Derya Turkan (lyra viol), Bjarte Eike (baroque violin), Helge Norbakken (percussion), Pedram Khavar Zamini (percussion), Per Buhre (viola, vocals), Peter Spissky (violin), Louise Gorm (violin), Arsema Asghodorom (violin), Torbjørn Köhl (viola), Mikkel Schreiber (viola), Mime Brinkmann (cello), Judith Maria Blomsterberg (cello), Johannes Lundberg (double bass)