HiJaz Dreams Concert

HIJAZ DREAMS CONCERT

A side project of the highly popular Tarab

Saturday 19 September 7.30pm

 “The result was a blissful, hypnotic transportation." The Guardian, 18th Jan 2026

Michael Currie - Double Bass
Khajak Khachigian - Guitar
Yousef Alreemawi - Organ

Hijaz Dreams pays homage to centuries old songs and improvisation techniques, whilst setting these same pieces free across flowing jazz-inspired taksims. `Taksims are , improvised instrumental solo or prelude in traditional Middle Eastern and Turkish music.
Hijaz Dreams is a music ensemble born of and inspired by the haphazard forces of history, culture, migration and improvisation. 

The ensemble uses these same forces to craft our performance. Hijaz Dreams uses melodies written by an Arab composer from the last decade or the last millennium, delicately weaving these ancient Arabic songs and chants into new clothes in an unusual stripped-down format of double bass, guitar and organ.

Tickets $35 ( Concert and Workshop package $55 saving $10) 

_______

WORKSHOP with HIJAZ DREAMS

5.30pm Saturday 19th September

For those interested, join the members of Hijaz Dreams for a one hour workshop at 5.30pm focusing on Arabic music, scales, and approaching Arabic music as a western musician  with  Michael Currie, double bass, Khajak Khachigian, Guitar  and Yousef Alreemawi, Organ.

Tickets $30 ( Concert and Workshop package $55)

Workshop bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/hijaz-dream-workshop

FOUNDER & LEADER. KEYBOARD

Yousef Alreemawi

Yousef founded Tarab in 2019 and has been leading the ensemble ever since. A multi-talented Palestinian-Australian, Yousef is an award-winning musician, intellectual, and advocate.
His musical journey began at 16 in Saudi Arabia, when he started to learn organ. After moving to Australia in 2003, he co-founded Jafra Band, performing “Arabic music with western instruments,” and through this musical endeavour supported several Australian charities.

Despite a mobility disability, Yousef has excelled as a renowned academic, translator, writer, podcast producer, political analyst and refugee advocate. Since 2013 Yousef has been directing Averroes Centre of Arab Culture, an organisation he established to.promote knowledge about Arab culture in Australia. He also founded ASPIRE, a not-for-profit which has helped resettle over 250 Palestinians to Australia and provides ongoing support to stateless Palestinians.

Yousef’s contributions to promoting Arab culture and advocating for marginalised groups have earned him multiple accolades, including the Eureka Australia Medal (2017) and Palestinian of the Year (2021).

DOUBLE BASS

Michael Currie

After emerging onto the music improvisation scene in the 2000s with his ensemble Stir (Andrea Keller/Alain Valodze; Melbourne Jazz Co-op, SIMA), Michael left for France and studied with double bass virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and has developed a fluid and lyrical improvisation style. 

He has played with many improvising and folk musicians, including Peggy Van Zalm. He currently co-leads the ensemble Engla which explores the interplay between the expressive forces of music and image. He experiments with alternative tunings to enhance the range of expression of the double bass and has worked with bass luthiers Ben Puglisi and Matthew Tucker to develop a 5-string double bass (added high C) in 2018. 

Michael has employed music in his work as a psychoanalyst with aggressive children and adolescents. He has won several awards (including an Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from the University of Newcastle).

He has also written two books published through Melbourne University Press and published several articles on the influence of the unconscious in the appreciation of fine art. Michael joined Tarab in May 2022.

GUITAR

Khajak Khachigian

Khajak is a Syrian-Armenian guitarist and guitar maker. Born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Syria, Khajak embarked on a musical journey that would soon transcend borders. From his musical beginnings delving into the diverse and evocative world of Armenian musical traditions, Khajak is not just a musician; he is a sonic storyteller and a cultural ambassador who weaves together the threads of their Syrian-Armenian heritage with influences gathered from around the globe.

In 2018, Khajak took their artistry to a new level by venturing into the world of luthiery. Fuelled by a passion for both the craft and the sound, he started crafting electric guitars from scratch. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a manifestation of Khajak’s dedication to the symbiosis of form and function. Through guitars, bouzoukis, and a relentless passion for crafting sound, Khajak invites you to join them on a journey where borders blur, and music becomes a universal language.

In late 2022, Khajak embraced a new chapter in their musical journey by joining the Tarab Ensemble. Known for its commitment to preserving and innovating Middle Eastern music, Tarab became a natural home for Khajak’s diverse musical background.