Ghada Shbeir & François Joubert-Caillet

Aramaic was the mother tongue of Jesus of Nazareth. And even after 2,000 years of linguistic and often violent political upheaval, it is still spoken in parts of Lebanon, Syria and Iraq – even used as a liturgical language in some early Christian churches to this day. Charismatic singer Ghada Shbeir, Professor of Oriental Studies and Liturgical Chant at the ecclesiastical University of Kaslik near Beirut, has dedicated herself to the study of these ancient traditions. For the Hamburg International Music Festival, Shbeir has created a richly atmospheric programme together with French viola da gamba virtuoso François Joubert-Caillet – building a musical bridge between Orient and Occident.This concert is part of the »Lost Music« series at the Hamburg International Music Festival 2026. The series is dedicated to musical cultures around the world that have been eroded by war and displacement or suppressed by dominant majorities. What unites all of the featured artists is their approach of combining historical research and authentic stylistics with modern influences. And each of them draws even more energy from their precarious status – for their mission and for their powerful presence on stage.

PERFORMERS

Ghada Shbeir vocals

François Joubert-Caillet viola da gamba

PROGRAM

Reconstructed Aramaic Church Chants