Rockwave 2025 IBRAHIM MAALOUF

The musician, composer, trumpet virtuoso and trailblazing artist returns to Greece!
A global artist redefining musical expression.

With over fifteen years of an impressive presence on the international music scene and concerts in more than 40 countries, the multi-award-winning French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, often described as “the phenomenon of jazz and classical music” by the global music community, returns — following his unforgettable live performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus — for two unique concerts: on June 10, 2025, at the Lycabettus Municipal Theater in Athens, and on June 11, 2025, at the Moni Lazariston in Thessaloniki.

With a career filled with sold-out performances at legendary venues like the Lincoln Jazz Center in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, the Accor Arena in Paris, and Istanbul’s VW Arena, the extroverted stage performer and trumpeter Maalouf continues to mesmerize audiences and critics alike — with the New York Times calling him a “virtuoso.” Internationally acclaimed, Maalouf stands out for his ability to blend his unique sound with tradition, transcending musical and cultural boundaries.

His New Album and Tour
Following two Grammy Award nominations, Ibrahim Maalouf returns to Greece with his 17th album, Trumpets of Michel Ange, considered one of his most ambitious and pioneering works to date. Alongside it, he will perform beloved compositions from his extensive career.

His latest project, inspired by philosophy, history, and music, is a celebration that bridges tradition with contemporary art. His melodies blend Eastern nostalgia with the freedom of jazz, creating a musical journey that captivates audiences of all ages.

Ibrahim Maalouf is one of the most distinguished and multifaceted musicians of our time, known for his ability to bridge cultures and musical genres. Born in Lebanon in 1980 and raised in France, he is the son of the legendary trumpeter Nassim Maalouf, who invented the quarter-tone trumpet, an instrument allowing for the expression of Arabic musical scales.

His talent was recognized by the legendary music producer Quincy Jones, and his repertoire — rich in signature improvisations — forms a bridge between various musical styles and traditions. Jazz orchestrations are interwoven with Arabic scales, while pop sounds and covers blend with Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms, creating a unique mosaic of sound.

He has collaborated with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Angélique Kidjo, Melody Gardot, the Kronos Quartet, Trilok Gurtu, Josh Groban, Marcus Miller, Salif Keita, and many others. In 2021, he appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert alongside Jon Batiste, who introduced him as “a living jazz legend.”

In recent years, Maalouf has emerged as a symbol of intercultural dialogue: He was invited by Sting to perform with him during the reopening of Bataclan in Paris. He paid tribute at the funeral of Tignous (one of the cartoonists killed in the Charlie Hebdo attack), honored the memory of the victims of the Paris terrorist attacks at a national tribute by composing an anthem sung by French pop star Louane, and in 2021 was chosen to perform the French national anthem in front of 6 million viewers at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The two concerts of Ibrahim Maalouf in Greece are organized by XLALALA Presents as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the Rockwave Festival.

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