Džemila & Jehuda Bel Air

‘Džemila and Jehuda Bel Air' is a musical storytelling by the international Ensemble ParaΞenon.

It tells the love story of two musicians who meet in Sarajevo in 1941. Just as the Second World War reaches the Balkans. The piece deals with the themes of flight, persecution and war and at the same time tells of the power of music and love. Set in the middle of the 20th century, it raises questions that could hardly be more topical.

Based on a text by the author Leon Joskowitz, the Ensemble ParaΞenon combines live music and dramatic storytelling to create an emotional stage piece. Konstantinos Margaris own compositions are combined with new arrangements of traditional songs from a balkan and sephardic culture.

Džemila and Jehuda Bel Air’ was produced in summer 2024 as part of an artist residency in Athens with nine musicians from all over Europe and then performed on stage with vocals, clarinet, duduk, flute, trumpet, canun, accordion, guitar, double bass, and percussion.

Premiere on 01.08.2024 at Akronafplia Castle in Nafplio/Greece