Moroccan-Dutch artist bridges heritage through Andalusian music
A Moroccan-Dutch artist intertwines history and art to revive the rich cultural legacy of Al-Andalus through music and theater
AMSTERDAM (MNTV) – Mohamed Aadroun, a Moroccan-Dutch artist and former public servant, has dedicated his career to reviving and celebrating the cultural legacy of Al-Andalus through music and theater.
Born in Amsterdam to Moroccan parents from El Jebeha, Aadroun blends personal history with artistic innovation to connect audiences to the rich heritage of a bygone era.
A graduate in business administration, Aadroun initially built a successful career at the Dutch Ministry of Economy.
Yet, his passion for history and art, particularly the culture of Al-Andalus, a historic fusion of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions, led him to explore creative avenues.
“Al-Andalus represents a unique legacy of knowledge, art, and culture,” Aadroun said to Moroccan magazine Yabiladi.
“The more I learn about it, the more I see its relevance and richness. It reminds us that we can be custodians of multiple histories that enrich each other.”
In 2011, Aadroun co-founded the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra (AAO) with musician Mohamed Chairi, alongside Yassine Boussaid and Dwight Breinburg.
Together, they pioneered multidisciplinary productions that merge Andalusian music with theater and storytelling, exploring themes of coexistence, heritage, and identity.
Reviving tradition with a modern twist
The AAO has gained recognition for its innovative approach, offering workshops, performances, and events that highlight Andalusian music’s historical and cultural significance.
Productions delve into figures like Leo Africanus and episodes from the Reconquista, bringing stories to life through music and stagecraft.
Through initiatives like the International Oud Festival and the Maqam Cultural Center, Aadroun fosters cross-cultural dialogue, blending Andalusian traditions with global musical styles.
His work emphasizes education and accessibility, encouraging audiences to engage with history in meaningful ways.
“Combining music and theater lets us connect with people across languages and cultures,” Aadroun explained to Yabiladi.
“It’s about making this rich heritage both inspiring and relevant today.”
As the AAO expands its repertoire, Aadroun envisions deeper collaborations with Morocco’s cultural institutions.
“We’ve shared memorable moments with Moroccan artists and audiences, and I look forward to building on that foundation,” he says.
For Aadroun, Andalusian music is more than art, it’s a bridge between past and present, a celebration of diversity, and a tool for reconnecting with shared histories
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