Timeless Egypt: Egypt’s Legacy in Motion

Timeless Egypt: Egypt’s Legacy in Motion celebrates the soul of a nation whose music flows endlessly from past to present. Join Music in-Takht, founded and led by violinist Basma Edrees, on a journey through Egypt’s ever-evolving soundscape — from the enchanting beauty of classical takht traditions to bold new fusions with jazz, Irish, and Western classical influences.

The program features two exciting world premieres: an expressive new work by Basma Edrees and a dynamic, genre-blending piece by Moe Elshazly. Together, they embody Egypt’s living artistry — a culture that continually absorbs and transforms the many influences of those who have chosen to call it home.

Music in-Takht

Music in-Takht is an ensemble founded by Egyptian violinist and educator Basma Edrees to showcase Egypt’s rich instrumental heritage and its modern evolution. Inspired by the traditional Arabic takht ensemble, the group began as a small group of 3 Bay Area Egyptians and gradually expanded into a flexible dynamic group of collaborators. The ensemble focuses on instrumental works by Egyptian composers, highlighting both classical repertoire and newly commissioned pieces that blend Egyptian elements with global styles. Through regular concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area, Music in-Takht has become a platform for sharing Egypt’s cultural legacy with new audiences and has become an ambassador for Egypt’s past, present, and future in music.