Photo : Samarah
Musical journey to the Orient with the Samarah trio
The magic of singing, the oud, and the violin, mingled with the subtle rhythms of percussion, draws us to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Bibliothèque Naguib Mahfouz (Paris 20th)
About
Come and discover Samarah, a world music trio composed of Françoise Ruscher on violin, Soraya Sehili on oud and vocals, and Lucie Louvrier on percussion and vocals.
From Egypt, following in the footsteps of composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab, an architect of the "classical Arabic" music revival, to Lebanon with the diva Fairouz, and via Syria with Sabah Fakhri, come and share in this musical journey that will also incorporate flamenco, tunes by Tunisian composer Hedi Jouini, and pieces by Malian singer Salif Keita.
This event is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Naguib Mahfouz Library and is part of initiatives to promote Arab world cultures in connection with its thematic collections.
Biographies
- Violinist and violist Françoise Ruscher is a graduate of the conservatories of Chambéry and the 13th arrondissement of Paris, and the École Normale de Musique de Paris. She has performed with numerous ensembles, chamber orchestras, and chamber music groups. She has also collaborated with performing arts companies. She studied South Indian music and, through the Samarah trio, oriental music.
- Soraya Sehili trained in Paris at the CMI jazz school before returning to Tunisia to learn the oud and singing with the great master of oriental music Ali SRITI, and studied at the Tunis Conservatory. Back in Paris, she performed solo on the oud and vocals during readings and exhibitions before forming the Samarah trio in 2022.
- Lucie Louvrier is a multi-instrumentalist and mezzo-soprano opera singer. She began her musical training with piano and singing in Sens. A graduate of the Sorbonne (Paris IV) in English, medieval studies, and musicology, she went to study opera singing in England. There, she discovered percussion, the Iranian daf, and Persian music, which marked a turning point in her career. In 2023, she joined the DEM oriental music curriculum at the Gennevilliers Conservatory, where she learns oriental, Ottoman, and Greek singing with Rachid Brahim-Djelloul, and percussion and oud with Yousef Zayed.
Our take on this event
Prepare for a sonic journey that bridges continents, guided by the soulful melodies of the oud, violin, and percussion. This talented trio weaves a rich tapestry of sounds ranging from classical Arab traditions to unexpected global rhythms. It is the perfect atmospheric escape for anyone looking to discover the deep musical heritage of the East.
On Friday, November 27, 2026, the Naguib Mahfouz Library hosts the Samarah trio for a musical journey through Eastern and global traditions. Featuring Françoise Ruscher on violin, Soraya Sehili on oud, and Lucie Louvrier on percussion and vocals, the performance traverses the repertoires of legends like Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Fairouz, and Sabah Fakhri, while blending in flamenco and Malian influences. This free event celebrates the library's 50th anniversary. The venue is wheelchair accessible and adapted for deaf or hard-of-hearing guests, ensuring an inclusive experience starting at 19:00.
To mark its 50th anniversary, the Naguib Mahfouz Library presents a unique concert with the Samarah trio on Friday, November 27, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00. This performance highlights the diversity of Arab musical cultures, reflecting the library's own thematic collections. The program follows a path from Egypt and Lebanon to Syria and Tunisia, further incorporating musical elements from Mali and Spain.
The trio consists of three talented musicians: violinist Françoise Ruscher, oud player and vocalist Soraya Sehili, and multi-instrumentalist percussionist Lucie Louvrier. Their setlist features iconic works by artists such as Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Fairouz, Hedi Jouini, Sabah Fakhri, and Salif Keita. Each member brings a distinct background—ranging from classical conservatory training to deep study in Eastern music styles—to create a rich and authentic soundscape.
The concert is free of charge. The library is fully accessible to wheelchair users and provides facilities adapted for deaf or hard-of-hearing attendees. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class musicianship in a space dedicated to cultural heritage.
