Chart-topping Maya Youssef is hailed as ‘the queen of the qanun’, the Middle Eastern 78-stringed plucked zither. Based on Arabic classical traditions, her innovative sound has echoes of everything from jazz to flamenco, infused with warmth, humour and optimism.
The Damascus-born musician’s global reputation continues to grow as an artist of the highest quality and as a musical ambassador building connections across borders and between peoples and traditions. Maya’s 2022 album, Finding Home, included commissions for Opera North and the British Museum and was praised for both the range of influences and the intensity and emotion of her playing.
A performer of complexity and charisma, Maya’s welcome return to Sheffield promises to be a thrilling musical evening.
“A sonic and spiritual search for the meaning of home.” – Songlines (Finding Home album review)
