This ambitious new project brings together some of the most accomplished and innovative young Arab and British musicians for a three-week residency in London in May 2007. In an intense programme, co-produced with Serious, artists from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria and the UK will join forces to create new work, drawing on a range of contemporary and traditional influences.

Under the guidance of musical director Justin Adams, the project will give all the artists new opportunities for personal and professional development and international exposure. The residency will feature educational workshops, networking sessions, work-in-progress performances at festivals in the UK and appearances by ‘special guests’.

Following the residency and UK performances the artists will tour the Near East and North Africa region over the summer. The project will be filmed from beginning to end by Yeast to produce a unique record of the musicians’ exciting journey. Watch this space for more news on the Music Matbakh tour, compilation CD and interactive website.