MoMu for HOPE: Jeroen Malaise | West Bank Echoes & Nizar Rohana Trio

On the occasion of Embroidering Palestine, MoMu welcomes Jeroen Malaise and the Nizar Rohana Trio for a special musical evening. Their work resonates closely with the themes of the exhibition. In 2022, pianist Jeroen Malaise travelled through the West Bank, transforming this sonic journey into the album West Bank Echoes. Together with his trio, Palestinian oud player Nizar Rohana interweaves Arabic and Middle Eastern musical traditions with influences from jazz and Western classical music.

With this benefit concert, MoMu draws attention to the HOPE Foundation, an organization that supports children in conflict areas through artistic projects, including in Gaza. The full proceeds of the evening will go entirely to the HOPE Foundation.

West Bank Echoes is Jeroen Malaise’s solo piano album, created following his travels through the West Bank in 2022. The compositions draw inspiration from encounters, landscapes, and Palestinian poetry. Rhythmic patterns and melodic turns from the region are subtly woven into his improvisation-driven style.

Nizar Rohana is a renowned Palestinian oud player, known for his virtuosity and contemporary compositions firmly rooted in the oud tradition. With his trio, he performs original work that blends Arabic and Middle Eastern musical traditions with influences from jazz and Western classical music. Founded in 2013, the trio welcomed a new line-up in 2024, featuring award-winning bassist Tony Overwater and percussionist Ruven Ruppik.

Founded in 1996, the HOPE Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting children affected by war through art, culture, and psychosocial guidance. Through creative programmes, workshops, and emergency initiatives, particularly in Gaza, the organization helps young people strengthen their resilience and build future prospects.