S2 Ep11: Music from Muslim Lands

Embark on a sonic journey through centuries of melody, tradition, and cross-cultural fusion! In this episode, we dive into the soundscapes of Muslim lands, featuring legendary musician Jordi Savall, renowned for reviving medieval and early music, and Fairouz Nishanova, Director of the Aga Khan Music Programme.  Discover how medieval music evolved through Islamic empires, where improvisation was an art form and cultural exchange thrived along trade routes. Jordi shares insights into his lifelong quest to resurrect forgotten harmonies, while Fairouz illuminates the AKMP’s groundbreaking work in preserving endangered musical heritage - from empowering local artists to bridging ancient traditions with modern innovation.   How did political upheaval nearly silence Central Asia’s musical legacy? What role does education play in reviving these traditions today? And why is improvisation a universal language of resilience? From the Sufi rhythms of Samarkand to the Andalusian echoes of Córdoba, this episode celebrates music as a living archive of history, identity, and human connection.