Irtijal, Arabic for improvisation, is an annual festival of experimental music in Beirut. Trumpeter and comics artist Mazen Kerbaj and guitarist Sharif Sehnaoui organized a first concert in 2000, and the first official edition followed in 2001. What began as a one-day event grew into a festival of several days, with free jazz, free improvisation, noise, contemporary classical, post-rock, experimental electronics and sound art. Concerts move between independent venues; the 2023 edition used Zoukak Studio, Beirut Art Center and Mkalles Warehouse. The festival gives space to Lebanese and diaspora musicians and to debut performances, alongside international guests such as The Necks and Senyawa. It marked its 25th anniversary in 2024 and has also co-produced events abroad, including the Borderline Festival in Athens.
Irtijal at a glance
- First concert in 2000, first official edition in 2001
- Marked its 25th anniversary in 2024
- Covers free jazz, noise, improvisation, electronics and sound art
- Held across independent Beirut venues like Zoukak Studio and Beirut Art Center
Who is behind Irtijal
- Mazen Kerbaj (Co-founder). Source: arabculturefund.org
- Sharif Sehnaoui (Co-founder). Source: arabculturefund.org
- Christine Sehnaoui Abdelnour (Co-founder). Source: scenenoise.com