Celebrating the huge musical diversity of this global community, the festival also marks the 800th anniversary of the Sufi poet Rumi, one of the most revered of the Sufi mystics. The opening concert (Wednesday October 10) is by El Gusto, a remarkable recreation of Chaabi music from 1950s Algeria, played by a mixed Muslim-Jewish orchestra. El Gusto’s music is soon to be heard on a CD release produced by Damon Albarn.

Other highlights include Sidi Goma (Saturday 13 October), a drum and dance group from the East African community who have, for centuries, kept their musical traditions alive in Gujarat, India. They share the stage with Turkish multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek. On Monday October 15 the great Iranian classical singer Shahram Nazeri performs the Passion of Rumi, a cycle of Rumi’s poetry composed by Hafez Nazeri. The festival closes on Tuesday 16 October with the Bedouin Jerry Can Band - a group of nomads from the Sinai - at LSO St Luke’s.

All concerts at Barbican Hall unless stated: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS

Wed 10 Oct 7.30pm El Gusto
Produced by the Barbican
Tickets £15/20/25

Sat 13 Oct 7.30pm Omar Faruk Tekbilek / Sidi Goma
Produced by the Barbican
Tickets £10/15/20

Mon 15 Oct 7.30pm Passion of Rumi: Shahram Nazeri and the Rumi Ensemble
Produced by the Barbican in association with Serious
Tickets £15/20/25

Tue 16 Oct 7.30pm LSO St Luke’s
Bedouin Jerry Can Band
Produced by the Barbican
Tickets £10/15

www.barbican.org.uk