Reem Kelani and her Trio

Join Reem Kelani and her trio for a night of music that tells the story of Palestinian resilience and cultural survival.

On Saturday 21st June, renowned Palestinian musician Reem Kelani and her trio bring the rich sounds of Palestinian folk music to The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. Rooted in Kelani’s heritage from Ya’bad (near Jenin) and Nazareth, this powerful performance blends history, politics, and personal experience in a way that is both intimate and universal.

Kelani is acclaimed for her commitment to preserving the musical traditions of Palestine—traditions that are under constant threat due to displacement, cultural as well as physical occupation, and the erasure of Palestinian identity. Through her deeply researched work, she ensures that the songs and stories of her people are not forgotten but passed on and kept alive.

Her repertoire includes songs inspired by the lives of Palestinian women across Palestine and in the refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, reminding us that music is not just art—it’s memory, resistance, and a declaration of presence. Her work speaks to the internationally recognised right of all peoples to pursue their cultural development, as enshrined in instruments such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

This is more than a concert—it’s a reclaiming of narrative and identity through song. Kelani’s unique fusion of folk traditions, improvisation, and political storytelling creates a moving and thought-provoking experience for all.

Part of Art27 Scotland's CULTURE equals LIFE festival for Refugee Week 2025, this evening invites you to witness the enduring spirit of Palestinian culture—through the voice of one of its most influential guardians.

Don’t miss this unforgettable performance.