Composer, singer, and oud player Nawras Altaky has been appointed the new maker‑in‑residence at Festival Dag in de Branding. “With his unique musical language — in which Syrian traditions, jazz, and contemporary composed music merge organically — Altaky has, in recent years, grown into one of the most striking voices in the Dutch music scene,” writes New Music Now.

About Nawras Altaky

Nawras Altaky is a Syrian‑Dutch composer, singer, and oud player based in Utrecht. He studied composition and voice at the Utrecht Conservatory (HKU), followed by a master’s degree in composition and practice‑led research at the Conservatorium Utrecht.

As a composer, he has worked with organisations and festivals such as the Bimhuis, November Music, North Sea Jazz, Grachtenfestival, International Chamber Music Festival, and the International Music Meeting Festival. He has also written music for a wide range of theatre, film, and dance projects.

His work is characterised by a subtle and natural fusion of styles and traditions. In his compositions and improvisations, he weaves together elements of Arabic maqam music, jazz, and contemporary composed music into a distinctive and recognisable musical language. Altaky also makes a strong impression as a performer: his warm baritone voice and virtuosic oud playing combine to create an intense and compelling stage experience.

In 2025, Altaky was appointed City Composer of Utrecht — an acknowledgment of his artistic originality and his ability to connect genres, cultures, and musical traditions.