Le Trio Joubran – 20 Springs | Closing Concert

What?

Three brothers, three ouds, and twenty years of playing together. Le Trio Joubran—one of the world’s most recognizable Palestinian ensembles—is celebrating its anniversary with a special project titled “20 Springs,” in which music becomes a space for memory, connection, and transcending boundaries.

Samir, Wissam, and Adnan Joubran come from a family in which the art of crafting and playing the oud has been passed down from generation to generation. It is the sound of this traditional Arabic stringed instrument that lies at the heart of their work. The three ouds engage in a constant dialogue—sometimes subtle and almost intimate, sometimes incredibly dynamic—blending Palestinian musical tradition with a contemporary compositional language.

“20 Springs” is a summary of the trio’s two decades of activity, but it is not a retrospective. The twenty springs of the title refer to the idea of constant rebirth—each successive year treated as an opportunity to start anew. During the anniversary concert, the brothers will be accompanied by a string quartet and percussionists, giving Le Trio Joubran’s well-known compositions a new, richer sound.

The poems of Mahmoud Darwish—one of the most important Palestinian poets of the 20th century—are also an integral part of the project. Here, his poetry meets music, creating a story of memory, loss, belonging, and hope.

The project premiered at the Philharmonie de Paris, where Le Trio Joubran was honored by the French Ministry of Culture with the Order of Arts and Letters for its contributions to culture.

Who?

Le Trio Joubran consists of three Palestinian brothers: Samir Joubran, Wissam Joubran, and Adnan Joubran. They all play the oud—an instrument that is one of the most important elements of the Arab musical tradition. Over the course of two decades, the trio has developed its own musical language, in which Palestinian musical heritage meets contemporary composition, improvisation, and experience on international stages.

The “20 Springs” project features:

Samir Joubran – oud
Adnan Joubran – oud
Wissam Joubran – oud
Ersoy Kazimov – percussion
Habib Meftah – percussion
Valentin Mussou – cello and electronics
Sylvain Favre Bulle – first violin
Anne Berry – viola
Doriane Gable – second violin

For Whom?

The concert is aimed at both those interested in Arabic music and Palestinian culture, as well as those who are simply looking for music that transcends the simple divisions between traditional, classical, and contemporary music. You don’t need to be familiar with Le Trio Joubran’s work or the oud itself beforehand—“20 Springs” can be an excellent first introduction to the instrument’s distinctive, deep sound. It’s also an event for those who see music as a way to learn about the history and experiences of other communities. There are no age restrictions for this event.

Why is it worth it?

The Łódź of Many Cultures Festival views culture not as a static collection of traditions tied to specific places, but as something that is constantly in motion—it travels, encounters other languages and forms, changes, and at the same time helps preserve memory and a sense of belonging. The music of Le Trio Joubran perfectly embodies this way of thinking. It is deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage, yet for the past twenty years it has been performing on international stages, engaging in dialogue with other musical traditions and successive generations of listeners.

In 2026, the presence of Palestinian artists at the Festival also carries special significance. “20 Springs” does not reduce the Palestinian experience to current politics or to an image of conflict. It allows us to encounter Palestinian culture through its own artistic language—music, poetry, memory, and multigenerational tradition. Mahmoud Darwish’s voice and the sound of three ouds create a space where personal and collective experiences can be shared without having to simplify them into a political message.

The title “20 Springs” conveys an idea that is particularly close to the Festival’s heart: continuity does not necessarily mean immutability. One can preserve one’s own history and identity while remaining open to encounters, change, and the creation of new languages. That is precisely why Le Trio Joubran’s concert is not only a celebration of this outstanding ensemble but also a story about culture as a form of memory, continuity, and hope.

Accessibility

The Concert Hall of the Grażyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music is accessible to people with disabilities. All floors are accessible by elevator, and the auditorium features specially designed seating for wheelchair users. There is a parking lot with space for 70 cars next to the building.

Photos

Le Trio Joubran, press materials