Where the Isar meets Buriganga: JISR’s soundscape captivates Dhaka

The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, hosted a dynamic cross-cultural concert by the Munich-based ensemble JISR on Friday at the National Theatre Hall, Shilpakala Academy. Held on December 5, the event marked the group's return to Dhaka after three years and drew an enthusiastic audience.

The ensemble was led by Dr Mohcine Ramdan (Germany), a linguist, singer, percussionist and Gembri player. JISR presented an expansive blend of North and West African grooves, Arabic melodies, South Asian rhythmic imagination, European improvisation and subtle elements of German folk. The lineup included Marwan Fakir (France) on violin, Gergely Lukács (Hungary) on trumpet, Alaa Zouiten (Morocco) on oud and Karthik Mani (India) on percussion.

Adding a local layer to the performance, Bangladeshi musicians Baby Diwan (vocals), Jalal Ahammed (flute) and Md Nazrul Islam (tabla) joined the ensemble on several pieces, creating moments of strong artistic synergy.

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Presented under the theme "From the Isar to Dhaka: A Homecoming Across Continents," the concert symbolically connected the Isar River of Munich with the Buriganga of Dhaka, highlighting shared emotional and cultural resonances. The audience responded warmly to the group's improvisation-driven arrangements and their seamless balance of tradition and experimentation.

JISR also showcased pieces from their new musical journey, HASRA, inspired by desert crossings, immersive studio sessions and Munich's multicultural landscape. The event reaffirmed the role of music in bridging cultures and strengthening artistic collaboration between Germany and Bangladesh.