World-class musicians performing an eclectic repertoire on a never-seen-before combination of instruments… Harkan is a most outstanding and unusual project.
Bringing together French and Tunisian virtuosos, the duo led by Maia Darme on the harp and Mohamed Amine Kalaï on the kanun (oriental zither) is thoroughly captivating. On stage, they often morph into a trio, with Iranian Kurd percussionist Ebrahim Ahmadi providing accompaniment on traditional drums (daff, bendir, tar, riqq, dayereh, dahol…).
Absolutely stunning… A one-of-a-kind musical project in the world.
Le Quotidien, 20.12.2018
An exquisite dialogue of cultures. A duo that is sure to continue making waves…
L’instant M, 11.03.2020
Harkan’s concerts include contemporary creations as well as music from all around the Mediterranean: Turkish, North African, Levantine, Hispano-Andalusian, Persian and Greek. As the rhythm builds up, lively dances follow languorous ballads.
Harkan is the fruit of two years of research into folk and art music of the greater Mediterranean and MENA regions, collaborations with local contemporary composers and experiments to develop new playing techniques for both instruments in order to allow them to venture into foreign music cultures.
The result is a highly innovative and diverse concert program accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, that highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage while casting a completely new light on both the kanun and harp.
The encounter between two young and talented musicians, each bringing their own universe and sensibility. It’s a delightful musical journey through an eclectic repertoire, the result of thoughtful arrangements that play on the proximity of timbres, and of the performers’ steadfast desire to break down boundaries and transcend the preconceived notions surrounding their instruments.
There is subtlety, a captivating stage presence, mastery, sensitivity, and above all, the magic of the fusion between the harp and the kanun. The notes of each instrument intertwine beautifully, savoring the each other’s cultural heritage for the length of a piece.
La Presse, 03.08.2018
As always with Harkan, the Eastern kanun and Western harp are in perfect harmony. They chatter playfully and enrich each other. The pace is so exhilarating that the camera struggles to keep up with the dazzling dance of fingers on the strings.
Tunivisions, 28.02.2020
Seeing the European harp and Oriental qanun together is akin to watching two distant cousins realize they have so much to tell each other. Instruments that resonate closely yet distinctly, responding seamlessly to one another under Harkan’s artistry.
By giving life to this unprecedented duo, Maïa Darmé and Mohamed Amine Kalaï brought new colors to music from all around the Mediterranean. Harkan is a moment out of time and away from reality.
Tunisia Tourism, 27.12.2018