What is the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra?

The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra

The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra (AAO) was founded in 2011 with the goal of connecting Andalusia’s rich artistic and cultural heritage with the present day. The orchestra not only brings these musical traditions back to Europe, but also breathes new life into them by combining them with stories, poetry, and theater—both existing works and original compositions. Their performances take the audience on a journey through time and bring centuries-old melodies and stories back to life.

The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra performs a wide range of musical genres, from Granada to Baghdad, spanning various time periods and styles. From the rich Arabo-Andalusian repertoire to the mystical sounds of the Sufi tradition, and from the refined improvisations of the Arabic maqam to the joyful folk music of the Maghreb—each concert is a journey of discovery through diverse musical worlds.

With this distinctive Al-Andalus repertoire, its own productions, and a wide range of collaborations, the orchestra has carved out a unique place for itself in the cultural sector. For more than ten years, it has been made up of musicians from the Netherlands and abroad, who together bring out the power and beauty of this music.

Following a successful tryout concert in 2020, Cappella Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra decided to collaborate more often. From the program alBahr to the immensely successful When Paths Meet (Holland Festival 2022) featuring global superstar Sami Yusuf—every time Cappella Amsterdam and the musicians of the AAO come together, something magical happens.

In 2026, Cappella Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra will once again take the stage together with a spectacular program centered on the Cantigas de Santa Maria—where medieval devotion and Andalusian passion come together.