Sat 13 Jun 2026, Calstock Arts, Calstock

The fourth concert in the Festival of World Music is a celebration of the sounds of the Middle East. We welcome the Bristol-based duo Eastern Strings of Daphna Sadeh-Neu (double bass) and Knud Stüwe (oud) for their first performance at the Old Chapel. Their instrumental music is distinctive and exquisite, drawing together a tapestry of musical culture from across the Middle East and their performances combine world music energy with classical precision and characterful improvisations. They will be joined by special guest, zcan Ate, vocalist and master of the ear-catching traditional balama, a seven-stringed, long-necked lute central to Turkish and Kurdish folk traditions. His playing is intense and musically enriching and his vocals are lyrical, emotional and poignant. The trio's performances of an eclectic mix of Kurdish, Turkish, Ladino and Middle Eastern traditional songs and music have been described as visceral, evocative and full of surprise. Immerse yourself in these sumptuous worldly musical delights expertly plucked and sung by the ensemble in this, the finale of Calstock Arts journey around Our Music Planet.