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Two of the most captivating figures in the modern Middle Eastern music scene—Ibrahim Maalouf and Hiba Tawaji—are set to perform together in Istanbul for an unforgettable evening of musical storytelling. The concert will take place on June 24 at the iconic Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre, organized by Piu Entertainment.
Blending traditional melodies with contemporary orchestration, the duo will perform with a full symphonic orchestra. Their shared artistic mission is to bridge cultural boundaries through music, delivering a live experience that resonates with both Eastern and Western audiences.
Born in Lebanon in 1980 and raised in France due to the Lebanese Civil War, Ibrahim Maalouf has carved out a global reputation as one of the most innovative trumpet players of his generation. Son of a trumpeter father and pianist mother, Maalouf was immersed in music from a young age.
What sets him apart is his use of a custom four-valve trumpet—developed by his father—which allows him to blend Arabic maqams with Western classical scales. His musical style defies categorisation, intertwining jazz, classical, and traditional Arabic elements. Albums like Beirut, Diagnostic, and Red & Black Light showcase his ability to narrate stories through sound, be it of love, exile, or resistance.
Maalouf has collaborated with international icons such as Sting, Vanessa Paradis, and Salif Keita. His film scores have also received critical acclaim, with his music appearing in several Netflix productions. Despite his global reach, he maintains a special connection with Türkiye, having performed frequently at the Istanbul Jazz Festival.
Lebanese singer, actress, and director Hiba Tawaji brings her powerhouse vocals to the Istanbul stage, adding another layer of depth to the evening. Known for her extraordinary four-octave vocal range, Tawaji has been a prominent figure in the Arab music scene since 2008.
She began her career starring in musicals by the Rahbani family and rose to international fame after reaching the semi-finals of The Voice France in 2015, under the mentorship of pop singer Mika. Following this success, she joined the cast of the musical Notre-Dame de Paris, playing Esmeralda on a global tour.
Tawaji has broken cultural ground in the Arab world, notably becoming the first woman to perform on stage in Saudi Arabia after restrictions on female performers were lifted. She has released four studio albums and now records under Universal Music Arabia.
Fans can purchase tickets for the June 24 Istanbul performance through Biletinial, Biletix, Bubilet, and Passo.
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