Lebanese-French artist Maalouf takes Istanbul stage at Jazz Festival

Trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf will play at the Akbank Jazz Festival on Oct 25. Growing up in an intellectual milieu under the influence of his uncle, author Amin Maalouf, he incorporates many different genres of music The 24th edition of the Akbank Jazz Festival opens today in Istanbul. One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be world renowned Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, who will take the stage on Oct. 25 at Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall.

The name Maalouf is familiar to audiences as he is the nephew of award winning Lebanese-born French author Amin Maalouf.

Ibrahim Maalouf, who incorporates many different genres of music, from rock to jazz, grew up in Beirut in an intellectual milieu under the influence of his uncle Amin Maalouf, and began to study music under the guidance of his father, who is also the inventor of the microtonal trumpet with four valves, called the “quarter tone trumpet.”

Maalouf has released five albums so far, including “Illusions,” which was released in 2013. He also studied classical, baroque, modern and contemporary repertoires during his musical training and even though he does not have formal jazz training, he was well-received by critics for his strong technique and his success in improvisation. With his unique style, he was noticed in the jazz, pop and rock music world and he has performed with well-known artists as Sting and Vanessa Paradis.  

Maalouf told the Hürriyet Daily News that he started playing the trumpet with his father’s motivation and has never given it up because he says he feels responsible for the heritage of his father.

“My father, Nassim, taught me everything I know about the trumpet. Leaving the trumpet would...