BELONG: (Be, Embrace, Learn, Orchestrate, Navigate, and Give)

Join us for a free of charge videography workshop with Ramy T. Radwan and get introduced to various filming techniques. Talented participants will get the chance to join the BELONG team and document the project´s concerts and events. Limited number of video cameras are available for participants if needed.

In collaborates with Opderschmelz cultural center, BELONG invites all musicians and artists for a free of charge masterclass on Folk-Rock music led by the world-class Canadian band "The Paperboys." For a quarter century, The Paperboys have been touring the world and lighting up stages with their freewheeling blend of influences from Celtic and bluegrass, to Mexican son jarocho, brass bands, and Canadian roots. They have been called everything from Cajun slamgrass to worldbeat, they’ve received a Juno award (Canadian Grammy), plus two Juno nominations, two West Coast Music Awards, and released nine albums. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, and experience how folk and rock music can dance in harmony.

In collaboration with Opderschmelz cultural center, BELONG brings together the Canadian folk-rock band "The Paperboys" together with local artists in a series of workshops towards a breathtaking and exclusive world-music fusion concert in the framework of the Zeltik festival 2022.

Musician, Singer, dancer, or just culturally curious? Would you like to learn more about Mexican Folk Music? Would you like to experiment integrating your own style within the dancing tunes of son Jarocho! Join our free of charge workshop. Dr. Eduardo Ibargüengoytia Arias, a Mexican mathematician and multi instrumentalist, will be introducing the interesting story of how the interaction between Spanish and African cultures, arriving to the “new” land of Mexico and exchanging with the locals, emerged the new musical culture of son Jarocho - a mix of west African percussion, flamenco rhythmic patterns, and totonaku shamanic harmonies. So bring your vibes, instruments, and gear, and join us to play and dance on the infinite journey of Son Sin Fin (a song without ending) Where: Rockhal (Multi-functional space), 5 Av. du Rock'n'Roll, 4083 Esch-sur-Alzette When: 19th of March 2022 | 11h - 14h Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/254189326 Please note that this event implements CovidCheck 2G/2G+

BELONG brings together multicultural local musicians and artists in a series of workshops to exchange arts from their countries and cultures and work on mixing their styles in a unique artistic creation. Results of those workshops will be performed in a concert by the end of the program. Workshops are free of charge, but limited in places. Register now. Where: Rockhal (Multi-functional space), 5 Av. du Rock'n'Roll, 4083 Esch-sur-Alzette When: 19th of March 2022 | 15h - 18h Please note that this event implements CovidCheck 2G/2G+ BELONG benefits from the supported of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, and OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.

Discover the magical sounds of Mongolia and explore the secrets of throat singing techniques with the renown Mongolian folk-musicians Khusugtun. In collaboration with Nomadic Games Federation asbl and Routes Nomads, BELONG brings you the magical sounds of Mongolia to the south of Luxembourg. What to expect: - Discover Mongolian traditional music & culture, - Experience live samples of different music styles, and learn their background stories, - Explore throat singing techniques, - Participate with your instrument and Jam along with Khusugtun

Musician? Would you like to learn more about Indian classical music? How about integrating your own musical style within the magical sounds of India! Come and join our free of charge masterclass. Conducted by the professional Sitar player, KG Westman, this workshop will provide you with the basics of Indian classical music as well as an opportunity to integrate your own musical style in an open jamming session. K.G. Westman is a Swedish sitar player who is one of Europe´s foremost in the field of north Indian classical and semi classical music. Due to training in both Indian and western music, he is one of few with a deep understanding of both systems. Each winter K.G. stays in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India to continue training under the guidence of Pandit Rabindra Narayan Goswami, a most respected sitar master of the holy city. As a senior student of Goswamiji, he is now a frequent performer in Europe, India, as well as the rest of the world.

Coming directly from the rich lands of the far east, we are pleased to present you Indian percussion and Tabla workshop conducted by the Tabla master Survat Apte. If you are a musician/percussionist, and would like to enrich your skills by learning the secrets and techniques of the Indian percussion, this is your chance. Come and join us for the free of charge workshop, where Survat will introduce you to the basics of the Indian percussion through practical lessons, Konokkol and Padhant (vocal recitation of rhythmic patterns) practices. The floor will be open for jamming afterwards.

Musician? Would you like to learn more about oriental jazz music? Join us for an oriental jazz music workshop with the world renowned Egyptian young oud virtuoso, Mohamed Abozekry. Abo Zekry is one of the most famous Oud players in the arab world. He went on in 2009 to win first place in the International Oud Competition held in Damascus Syria, Which exposed his virtuosity and deep musicality to the recognition of the Arab World. Leaving Egypt to pursue higher studies, in France he completed his degree of Musicology, which he earned from the University of Lyon. During this period, along with immersing himself in the theory and tradition of Western music, the cultural diversity of France exposed Abozekry to stretches of musical styles, from Latin to Indian and Tzigane.

Join us for a breath-taking concert bringing the far-east together with the middle-east in the west. The concert presents the product of one week of musical exchange between KG westman (Sitar), Rahul Pophali (Tabla), and Mohamed Abozekry (Oud), in the framework of Esch 2022's BELONG project. The trio will be playing Indian oriental fusion with Jazzy scales and vibes. Do not miss being part of this exclusive, yet inclusive, experience.

Discover the uplifting vibes of Afro-Venezuelan rhythms with Gustavo Morales. Gustavo Morales was born in Caracas in 1979. He began his artistic life at a very young age, between dance and music. He studied music at “Jose Angel Lamas” in Caracas. He started to learn international percussion instruments and Afro-Venezuelan percussion in different schools, such as Bigott Foundation and The Trapatiesta (UCV). In adolescence he moved to Aragua, a city renowned for its proximity to the coast, and diversity and cultural enrichment in terms of drumming and other leather instruments and entered the Folkloric Group cumaco in Ocumare de la Costa, Aragua State. What to Expect: -Parranda -Golpe de Cumaco (Turiamo, Mayero, San Millán) -Fulia Barloventeña. -Sangueo (Turiamo, Cumboto, Cata, San Millán, Palmarejo) -Quitiplás Where: Rocklab (The lab), Rockhal, 5 Av. du Rock’n’Roll, 4083 Esch-sur-Alzette When: 11h -14h BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022

Discover Afro-Venezuelan folk-music with Jorge Glem. Latin Grammy-winning cuatro player, mandolinist and musical producer, Jorge Glem is without a doubt one of Venezuela’s musical treasures. Born in Cumaná, Venezuela, Glem, who currently resides in New York City, has set out with a clear and driven purpose of presenting the Venezuelan cuatro as a universal instrument. His amazing talent and purpose have allowed him to share the stage with renown worldwide figures such as Paquito D’Rivera, Jordan Rudess, Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives, Calle 13, Natalia Lafoucarde, Gaby Moreno, Guaco, Desorden Público, Ensamble Gurrufío, Gualberto Ibarreto, Etienne Charles and many other important music personalities, accomplishing the fuse of this traditional instrument in genres such as jazz, salsa, bluegrass, rock, and pop. Venezuelan music workshop for all instruments. What to expect: -Types of joropos and merengues -Improvisation on Venezuelan rhythms -Fusion of traditional rhythms -Techniques of Cuatro

In collaboration with the Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts (ECCA) – Makan, BELONG brings some of the finest Egyptian traditional musicians to Luxembourg in order to introduce Egyptian traditional music and exchange with local artists. ECCA has brought together musicians from Menufiya, Qalyubiya and Sharqiya with broad knowledge in tradition Egyptian repertoire (Sufi, Zikr, Mawal, etc.), and playing ancient Egyptian instruments, i.e. Arghoul which is a reed wind blown instrument, in efforts to preserve and revive various forms of traditional Egyptian music. Join our free of charge masterclass and discover several forms of Egyptian traditional music with some of the finest Egyptian artists. Where: Bâtiment IV – Tiers lieu culturel When: 30th of April 2022 | 11h – 14h BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUV

In collaboration with the Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts (ECCA) – Makan, BELONG brings few of the last remaining Egyptian Zar ritual practitioners in the world to Luxembourg to introduce this ancient form of art and exchange with local artists. Mazaher is an ensemble in which women play a leading role. As one of the African dimensions of Egypt, Zar music unfolds through rich poly-rhythmic drumming: its songs are distinctly different from other Egyptian music traditions. The ritual has been misperceived as a form of exorcism. However, the aim of Zar is to harmonies the inner lives of the participants. As well as drawing women who are seriously ill, the Zar is a space in which women can work out the tensions and frustrations of social constraints which limit their movements, their dress, their voices and even their dreams. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, & Bâtiment4

From the heart of Egypt, BELONG brings few of the remaining artists on the planet who still master the Egyptian Zār music ritual, alongside those who perform the beautiful melodies of Mawal music, to Luxembourg for workshops and exchange with local artists. Zār is a community healing ritual of polyrhythmic drumming and dancing whose tradition is carried on mainly by women and whose main participants are women. This ritual has been widely misconceived as a form of exorcism. However, the goal is to engage participants with their inner selves and workout their tensions and frustrations by freeing their movement, state, and even their dreams. Mawal music is commonly used weddings and festivals in Egypt, and has developed throughout the centuries, gathering ancient Egyptian instruments, such as Arghoul, with modern western ones like Trumpet. In collaboration with "Makan", BELONG invites those Egyptian legends to exchange their art with local artists in workshops towards a concert in Escher theater (6 May).

From the heart of Egypt, BELONG brings few of the remaining artists on the planet who still master the Egyptian Zār music ritual, alongside those who perform the beautiful melodies of folk-music, to Luxembourg for workshops and exchange with local artists. Zār is a community healing ritual of polyrhythmic drumming and dancing whose tradition is carried on mainly by women and whose main participants are women. This ritual has been widely misconceived as a form of exorcism. However, the goal is to engage participants with their inner selves and workout their tensions and frustrations by freeing their movement, state, and even their dreams. Folk-music music is commonly used weddings and festivals in Egypt, and has developed throughout the centuries, gathering ancient Egyptian instruments, such as Arghoul, with modern western ones like Trumpet. In collaboration with "Makan", local artists have been engaging in workshops with those Egyptian artists to prepare a fusion performance for you to enjoy.

Découverte et immersion dans la danse flamenco à travers la Buleria (le style flamenco-tzigane le plus festif) avec Rosa Maria Fernandez. Rosa Maria Fernandez est une danseuse et chorégraphe professionnelle, avec une connaissance considérable des danses latino-américaines, espagnoles et flamenco. Passionnée de danse et très énergique, elle inspire la force et apporte de la joie à ses élèves, permettant aux élèves d'avoir la confiance nécessaire pour continuer à s'exprimer à travers des chorégraphies créées à chaque cours Programme: Echauffement technique des pieds et du corps, suivi d’une approche didactique du rythme (compas de 12 temps) avec palmas, les percussions corporelles, etc, et la compréhension de la structure musicale. Jeux et exercices pour travailler l’improvisation, le rapport aux émotions et à leur transmission dans le flamenco. Informations pratiques: -Chaussures à talons, qui font du bruit (ou à défaut des mocassins ou ballerines) -Vêtements confortables

Découverte et immersion dans la musique flamenca avec Kader Fahem. Kader Fahem est un guitariste professionnel qui joue plusieurs styles de musique. Compte tenu de ses racines marocaines, son immersion dans le sens de la musique occidentale, il est venu en France a élargi son horizon et enrichi ses connaissances musicales. Ses rencontres avec des musiciens de tous horizons, cultivent sa curiosité et sa soif d'apprendre. Musique arabe, tzigane, classique, flamenco, jazz, blues, rock, etc. Tous ces courants musicaux l'intéressent, le séduisent et coulent dans ses veines. Kader présentera différents styles de flamenco, dont la Rumba, le Tango, la Buleria (style flamenco-gitan le plus festif) et l'Allegra, aux chanteurs, musiciens et artistes, qui jouent de tous les types d'instruments et de tous les styles de musique. Alors, apportez votre équipement et rejoignez-nous pour cette masterclass gratuite.

Adham ALSAYYAD, BELONG project manager, will be presenting the unique informal music learning approach of the BELONG project to students from Bachelor in Music Education at the University of Luxembourg as part of their study program.

Discover and learn more about Egyptian classical music with Ahmed Radwan. Ahmed Radwan is an Egyptian composer/ producer based in Luxembourg, he started as a violinist in the German University's orchestra in Cairo2015. He is an autodidact oud player, during his journey to figure out his distinctive sound from this ethnic instrument, he formed his first Jazz Fusion project in Egypt called "Sahab" in 2016. Radwan will introduce some melodies from Egyptian classical music to the famous Egyptian composer Abdel Wahab, that were sung by "the Star of the East", Om Kalthoum. Join us to learn those tunes, and integrate your musical style in a breathtaking Egyptian classical music theme. Register now to this free of charge masterclass. Please note that this event implements CovidCheck 2G/2G+ BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.

Discover, experience, and play along Nordic folk-music with Jeroen Laureyssens Jeroen Laureyssens is a Nordic, and Belgian, folk musician and composer. Who is well known for combining folk music with modern influences, such as modern harmony and improvisation and even effects and loops, on his diatonic accordion without forgetting the Western European tradition. Jeroen is currently part of several folk bands. Those are Gotzya, Les Frères d’Eeckère and Kaks Karpi. Join our free of charge masterclass, and get to learn more about the wonders of Nordic folk-music. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.

Have you ever wanted to learn belly dancing? join us for this free of charge masterclass and get introduced to the marvelous gestures and body movements of belly dancing. Belly dance is primarily a torso-driven dance, with an emphasis on articulations of the hips. Unlike many Western dance forms, the focus of the dance is on isolation of the torso muscles, rather than on movements of the limbs through space. Although some of these isolations appear similar to the isolation used in jazz ballet, they are sometimes driven differently and have a different feeling or emphasis. Inaya will introduce you to the basics of belly dancing, up to the advanced moves for expert dancers. Where: Bâtiment IV – Tiers lieu culturel When: 4th of June 2022 | 15h – 18h BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.

Join us for this rare opportunity to learn more about the trance-inducing mystical music of Morocco, Gnawa, with Med Amine. The Gnawa in Morocco, like African-Americans in the United States, were taken as slaves from sub-Saharan Africa and developed a unique and very spiritual music and culture. Gnawa music is one of the major musical currents in Morocco. The music is characterized by instrumentation. The large heavy iron castanets known as qraqab (or krakebs, large iron castanets; Ar. قراقب) and a three-string lute known commonly as a Guembri (or Hajhouj) are central to Gnawa music. The rhythms of the Gnawa, like their instrumentations, are distinctive. Join us to learn more about Gnawa. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.

Musician? Would you like to learn more about Swedish Folk Music? Would you like to experiment integrating your own musical style within the dancing tunes of Swedish folk music! Come and join our free of charge masterclass.. Kerstin is a professional Swedish fiddler, and will be presenting the basics of traditional Swedish/Nordic folk music. The masterclass is open for all instrumentalists and vocals of all forms and styles. Having her roots in Rättvik near lake Siljan in the region of Dalarna in Sweden, where the long going tradition of folk music is still alive and strong, Kerstin developed a focus in playing for dancing, with the challenges of getting the right swing and the right feeling and communication between musicians and dancers. Moreover, she is an expert in ceremonial repertoire, with a lot of experience of traditional Nordic weddings and other dancing celebrations. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE, Rocklab, and B4.

In Chinese legend, the Phoenix, “King of the Birds”, always perches on the paulownia tree. Chinese ancestors used paulownia wood to make the “gǔzhēng”, a plucked string musical instrument, generally translated as Chinese zither. The workshop will start by a lecture to introduce everyone to the history and development of guzheng, basic technical performance and concert listening tips, so that everyone can quickly immerse themselves in the world of guzheng. Next, you will enjoy traditional and modern guzheng repertoire, as well as solo, ensemble and coordination of other instruments. Let the audience feel the charm of guzheng more fully. During the workshop, you will discover the structure of Guzheng, the playing position, the pentatonic scale, the development and changes of the score, & the four sound zones. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, & Bâtiment IV.

Would you like to learn more about the various rhythmic signatures of west African music? Join us for this free of charge masterclass. Ebrima is a professional Djembe player from Gambia. The djembe, pronounced jem-bay, is an integral part of life in West Africa. Different rhythms and the accompanying dances are performed at events such as weddings, births, and funerals. Djembe creates intoxicating rhythm that charges you into dancing whenever you hear it. The rhythms can be simple or complex but when a group plays together, each person playing a different rhythm, the layers interlock to form the complete polyphonic sound. At times, they may come together as one in a united pattern before diverging again into something more complex. Join us to learn more. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.

Discover GOUROUNSI traditional dancing, and workout your body to the beats of African rhythems in this free of charge masterclass. GOUROUNSI is a warrior dance of the Gourounsi people, who live in the south of Burkina Faso and in the north of Ghana. In ancient times this dance was a prerogative of the soldiers protecting the physical integrity of the territory. For this very reason, it’s a dance to perform with strength and energy, as well as with a touch of arrogance – as a matter of fact, it represents an imaginary “face to face” with the enemy to scare it before the fight. Nowadays, this dance has become very popular and it is performed during cultural and social gatherings. BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.