Sat June 21st
7:30pm- 9:45pm
The Queens Hall, Edinburgh
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 = LIFE programme 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.
“[Reem Kelani’s] off-mic introduction turned out to be an endearingly apt overture to a performance in which she combined restless energy with vigorous political engagement, persuasive audience involvement and an illustrated, impressively far-reaching musicological dissertation.” The Herald, Glasgow, January 2016
Artist Biography
Reem Kelani is one of the foremost performers and researchers of Palestinian music, renowned for her powerful performances that merge history, politics, and personal experience. Born with roots in Ya’bad near Jenin and Nazareth in Galilee, Reem has dedicated her career to collecting, preserving, and performing traditional Palestinian folk songs. Many of these songs have been passed down by Palestinian women from Nazareth, Lebanon, and refugee camps.
With her dynamic vocals and deep passion for cultural heritage, Kelani brings to life the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people. Her performances seamlessly blend traditional melodies with contemporary expression, ensuring that the voices of past generations resonate today.
Reem’s music is not just a performance—it is a living testament to Palestinian identity, resistance, and survival. Join her and her trio for an unforgettable evening that celebrates the enduring spirit of Palestine and its people.
Photo Credits: Christopher Scholey
Visit The Queen’s Hall – Accessibility for access information.