An Evening with Maya Youssef, Queen of Qanun
Thursday 23 July 2026, 7pm - 8:30pm; doors open at 6:30pm
Join us for a very special musical evening as Syrian composer and Qanum virtuoso, Maya Youssef returns to Leighton House, performing alongside fellow musicians Elizabeth Nott (percussion) and Shirley Smart (cello).
The programme includes selected pieces from her albums, Syrian Dreams and Finding Home, some Syrian classics and the opportunity to hear Turquoise, a Leighton House inspired piece, premiered in a sold-out performance at the museum in 2022.
Useful Information
- Come at 6:30pm for the chance to explore the historic interiors, including the extraordinary Arab Hall. The performance starts at 7pm in Leighton's grand studio.
- A paid bar is available throughout the evening.
- Doors close at 9pm.
- £15 concession tickets are available for children & young adults (5-16yrs), full-time students, visitors with disabilities, visitors in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance. You will need valid proof on arrival.
About Maya Youssef
Maya Youssef is a speaker, composer and virtuoso of the qanun: disseminating peace through the healing power of music.
Born in Syria, now based in the UK, Maya Youssef is hailed as 'queen of the qanun', the 78-stringed Middle Eastern plucked zither. Maya's intense and thoughtful music is rooted in the Arabic classical tradition but forges pathways into jazz, Western classical and Latin styles.
Her debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by the legendary Joe Boyd, was highly acclaimed and led to many awards and prestigious stages, such as the BBC Proms and WOMAD, as well as recognition from the British government of her status as an exceptional artistic talent.
In perhaps her highest honour, the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London is names 'Youssef' in recognition of her inspirational work.
For updates on all of our upcoming events sign up to our museums e-newsletter
Ticket options
Thursday 23 July 2026, 7pm - 8:30pm; doors open at 6:30pm
Join us for a very special musical evening as Syrian composer and Qanum virtuoso, Maya Youssef returns to Leighton House, performing alongside fellow musicians Elizabeth Nott (percussion) and Shirley Smart (cello).
The programme includes selected pieces from her albums, Syrian Dreams and Finding Home, some Syrian classics and the opportunity to hear Turquoise, a Leighton House inspired piece, premiered in a sold-out performance at the museum in 2022.
Useful Information
- Come at 6:30pm for the chance to explore the historic interiors, including the extraordinary Arab Hall. The performance starts at 7pm in Leighton's grand studio.
- A paid bar is available throughout the evening.
- Doors close at 9pm.
- £15 concession tickets are available for children & young adults (5-16yrs), full-time students, visitors with disabilities, visitors in receipt of Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance. You will need valid proof on arrival.
About Maya Youssef
Maya Youssef is a speaker, composer and virtuoso of the qanun: disseminating peace through the healing power of music.
Born in Syria, now based in the UK, Maya Youssef is hailed as 'queen of the qanun', the 78-stringed Middle Eastern plucked zither. Maya's intense and thoughtful music is rooted in the Arabic classical tradition but forges pathways into jazz, Western classical and Latin styles.
Her debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by the legendary Joe Boyd, was highly acclaimed and led to many awards and prestigious stages, such as the BBC Proms and WOMAD, as well as recognition from the British government of her status as an exceptional artistic talent.
In perhaps her highest honour, the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London is names 'Youssef' in recognition of her inspirational work.
For updates on all of our upcoming events sign up to our museums e-newsletter
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