A passionate enthusiast of history and the performing arts, Mohamed Aadroun combines his three areas of interest through the Andalusian Orchestra of Amsterdam (AAO), which he co-founded. As the artistic director, he has curated musical performances that have played a key role in promoting Andalusian music in the Netherlands. Through this initiative, he weaves his own family heritage into a contemporary cultural movement that is open to the world. Born in Amsterdam to Moroccan parents, Mohamed Aadroun built a successful career in public service in the Netherlands. Armed with a degree in business administration and management, his personal and professional skills opened many doors, leading him to work for several years at the Ministry of Economy. Yet, he never let go of his artistic passion or his curiosity for the historical narratives of his ancestors' homeland. Aadroun is a passionate student of Al-Andalus, drawn to its cultural and artistic heritage. He is especially interested in historical travelogues, the evolution of musical traditions, and the documented customs, etiquette, and culinary practices of the era. «I see Andalusian music as the ultimate expression of the Andalusian way of life, its knowledge, art, science, and intellectual legacy. Without falling into nostalgia, the more you learn about Al-Andalus, the more you want to know, and the more you realize how advanced that region was for its time—even in the Middle Ages», says Mohamed Aadroun. A Family Story Revisited Through History For Aadroun, Andalusian music is more than just an art form; it's a connection to his personal story. «My father, a police officer in Amsterdam, and my mother, who dedicated her life to raising me and my three brothers, are from El Jebeha in northern Morocco. That region is known for welcoming many Andalusian, Jewish, and Muslim families during the Reconquista (722–1492)», he explains. Mistic Mirrors / Ph. Meesterwerk - AAOMistic Mirrors / Ph. Meesterwerk - AAO Through his research, Aadroun even traced an ancestor who was part of those families that crossed the Mediterranean. «By exploring the broader historical and cultural context, I found myself reconnecting with my own history, my ancestors' story, and the shared heritage of many from that region». Together with childhood friend Mohamed Chairi, a musician specializing in Andalusian music, Aadroun began to explore ways to bring these stories to life on stage. «We didn't know exactly where it would lead at first, but we wanted to create a concept that would appeal to venues and audiences, blending these historical stories with music». From Public Service to the Stage: The Birth of the AAO Always drawn to creative fields, Aadroun shifted his career towards the performing arts in the 2010s. He honed his skills in video design and visual storytelling, and began writing scripts for stage productions that blend theater, historical narratives, and live music. In 2011, he joined forces with Mohamed Chairi, Yassine Boussaid, and Dwight Breinburg to create the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra (AAO). «My first script told the story of an Andalusian poet forced to flee during the Reconquista. Combining acting and Andalusian music was well-received, and we went on to produce our first multidisciplinary performance», says Aadroun, who now has five such works to his name. His themes explore personal and collective stories set against the backdrop of Caliphal Andalusia, weaving together heritage, memory, coexistence, cultural diversity, and identity. Maghreb Icons / Ph. Maarten Mooijman - AAOMaghreb Icons / Ph. Maarten Mooijman - AAO «The historical narratives of Al-Andalus are an endless source of inspiration for us, as heirs of diverse cultures. They remind us that we belong where we are—we can be Dutch, Moroccan, and custodians of multiple histories that don't exclude but enrich each other». Aadroun's works delve into a variety of historical figures and themes: Leo Africanus, also known as Hassan al-Wazzan, who embodied a triple identity—Andalusian, Moroccan, and Italian. Another piece centers on Abul-Abbas, the white elephant gifted to Charlemagne by Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid in the 9th century. «Combining music and theater helps us connect with audiences across languages and cultures», Aadroun explains. For him, research and documentation are key. «It's essential for both the scripts and the music itself. We provide context that grounds Andalusian music in its ancestral roots while opening it to contemporary experimentation. Performances should be festive, of course, but also historical, educational, and accessible». This approach, Aadroun believes, is crucial for the personal development of younger generations—and even older ones, who may rediscover positive aspects of their heritage through art. «For me, it's the best way to share these ideas». The AAO has steadily grown its musical repertoire, developing a core group of artists who explore Andalusian music's journey from Granada to Baghdad. The orchestra's multidisciplinary vision also embraces dance, photography, intimate concerts, and large-scale performances. The creation of the Maqam Cultural Center in Amsterdam has further expanded this vision, offering workshops, training sessions, rehearsals, thematic gatherings, and talks. Remla Dance urban contemporary / Ph. Sjoerd Derine - AAORemla Dance urban contemporary / Ph. Sjoerd Derine - AAO A Decade of Creativity and Cultural Exchange For over a decade, the AAO has also organized the International Oud Festival, a biennial event that brings together oud players from across the globe—from North America to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe. "It's been a challenge to find musicians in the Netherlands who are well-versed in Andalusian music. But as we've grown, we've built a strong base of artists—some from jazz or classical backgrounds, from Germany, Spain, and beyond. We give them time and space to explore different styles over several years», Aadroun explains. Today, he expresses pride in the collaboration. «The artists' talent, curiosity, and flexibility enrich the project. It shows a new dimension of Andalusian culture—one that's universal and open to experimentation». Artistic Confusion, Not Fusion Staying true to its inclusive approach, the AAO offers Andalusian music workshops to young people of all backgrounds—Dutch, Moroccan, and beyond. This spirit of openness extends to annual performances in other Dutch music festivals, including Musica Mundo – Rhythms of the World in Amersfoort, where festival founder Hassan Elammouri invites the AAO to present innovative projects pairing guest soloists from diverse musical traditions. «In the city of Amersfoort, we participate annually in the festival. It's an opportunity to propose fresh, boundary-pushing projects in collaboration with invited soloists who come from different musical backgrounds», Aadroun says. The Andalusian music soloist Zainab Afailal and soprano Aylin Sezer with the AAO / Ph. Peter Putters - Musica Mundo - Rhythms of the WorldThe Andalusian music soloist Zainab Afailal and soprano Aylin Sezer with the AAO / Ph. Peter Putters - Musica Mundo - Rhythms of the World As Hassan Elammouri puts it, the result is «artistic confusion, not fusion»—a creative process that allows artists to perform authentically, beyond their usual musical genres. For audiences and performers alike, the experience is unforgettable. For Aadroun, it reaffirms the rich, open, and experimental nature of Andalusian music, both historically and today. The upcoming edition of the festival, set for June 26–29, 2025, will feature a co-production with the AAO and guest artists Tony Overwater, Mark Tuinstra, Aziz Ozouss, and Esinam. «At the AAO, we speak six languages, reflecting the cultural diversity of our members. This shows that music is a true language—honest in its expression, feelings, and emotions. It's the core philosophy of our orchestra. And it's also the thread running through all our stage productions». A Future in Morocco Looking ahead, Aadroun hopes to strengthen partnerships between the AAO and cultural institutions in Morocco to stage more performances there. «We've performed concerts in the Netherlands with artists like Nabila Maan, Zainab Afailal, Youssef Jrifi, Leïla Gouchi, Omar Metioui, Jamal Eddine Ben Allal, Hamid Bouchnak—our king of raï—and our gnawa master, Hind Ennaira. We've also played with local artists in Tangier and Rabat», Aadroun recalls. He looks forward to new opportunities to share these moments with Moroccan audiences, whether through the AAO's immersive Hadra experience or their Maghreb Icons show, which pays tribute to regional musical legends through a staging set in the 1980s—blending theater, music, and personal stories of artists who shaped their era.
