The concerts bring together five exceptional performers from the Aga Khan Master Musicians collective. Wu Man is a world leading virtuoso on the pipa, a Chinese lute, and a passionate advocate of her country’s traditional music. Syrian-born multi-instrumentalist Basel Rajoub has developed an entirely new repertoire for the saxophone, while his compatriot Feras Charestan is a master on the qanun, a Middle Eastern plucked zither. Turkish oud master Yurdal Tokcan and Uzbek Abbos Kosimov, a virtuoso on the doira frame drum, complete the outstanding quintet of Aga Khan Master Musicians.

They are joined by two eminent French musicians who are themselves celebrated for their explorations across musical genres. Award-winning accordionist, singer and composer Vincent Peirani has worked across jazz, contemporary music and improvisation, while Vincent Ségal is a renowned cellist and bassist who has collaborated with artists including Sting, Cesaria Evora and Elvis Costello.

All seven accomplished musicians worked together to devise entirely new music in which their respective traditions intermingled and cross-fertilised. The results – revealed to huge acclaim in their world-premiere performance in Paris – are a collection of jointly-created works inspired by the ancient routes that connected trade and culture between Asia and the Mediterranean. This cross continental collaboration is a celebration of sonic richness and cultural heritage, brought to life by some of the most passionate and distinguished voices in global music today.