Small World Music

Omar Khayyam’s timeless poetry meets the musical world of Oum Kalthoum in a remarkable evening with Constantinople and Ghalia Benali at ISHQ Festival 2026.

Under the artistic direction of Iranian-Canadian composer and setar virtuoso Kiya Tabassian, Constantinople reimagines songs inspired by Khayyam’s quatrains and made unforgettable through Oum Kalthoum’s voice.

With Tunisian-Belgian vocalist Ghalia Benali, this performance brings Persian and Arabic musical traditions, early music, contemporary composition, and live improvisation into dialogue.

Tickets on sale Monday, July 13 at 1 PM ET. [LINK IN BIO]

Presented as part of ISHQ Festival 2026
smallworldmusic.com/ishq

ISHQ Festival is made possible with funding in part by the Government of Canada, Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, the Province of Ontario, and Toronto Arts Council.
council

bring an unforgettable evening of Qawwali and Khayaal to ISHQ Festival 2026.

Sons and disciples of the acclaimed maestro Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, The Saami Brothers carry forward one of South Asia’s most revered musical lineages. Rooted in the Qawwal Bacha Delhi Gharana, their tradition traces back nearly 800 years to Amir Khusrau, the Sufi poet, musician, and scholar deeply associated with the foundations of Qawwali.

In this performance, you are invited into two profound vocal traditions.

Qawwali rises through collective energy, sacred poetry, harmonium, tabla, and layered voices, building toward a state of spiritual intensity and devotion. Khayaal moves inward, unfolding slowly through raga, imagination, and deep vocal improvisation.

Together, these forms create an evening of love, longing, contemplation, and connection.

Community Partner:

🎟️ [Tickets — link in bio of .music ]

ISHQ Festival is made possible with funding in part by the Government of Canada, Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, the Province of Ontario, and Toronto Arts Council.
council

SaamiBrothers SufiMusic Toronto