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‘Oud Wanderings’ will see two old friends travel between quiet spots across the UK, offering a concert of solo oud compositions by Abderraouf Ouertani, narrated by Susannah Knights. Over the course of an hour, Ouertani’s compositions – some of which were composed recently, and others many years ago – will here be brought together and interspersed with stories of a long journey that he undertook between Istanbul and India. Together, we explore themes of spirituality, senses of home, and journeying. Abderraouf’s compositions bring together diverse musical languages that he has developed between Tunisia, France, and beyond. He has written and recorded four albums for oud, each recorded in collaboration with different instrumental configurations – from jazz quartet to organ. As well as composing for oud, Abderraouf also has a new Arab Indie Rock project, Kohhen El Kef, which features rock compositions sung in Tunisian dialect, and undertakes research in anthropology of music. Indeed, Abderraouf and Susannah met as anthropology students at the EHESS, Paris, and Abderraouf and his family supported Susannah throughout her own research on music industries and recording archives in Tunisia. This UK tour marks a special opportunity for Susannah to return the hospitality and to invite Abderraouf to the places where she grew up, rediscovering the UK through their journey!