The Coronet Theatre Jazz Festival 2026: Modes And Mystics

A vibrant evening of Arabic musical traditions and contemporary jazz

Curated by acclaimed trumpeter and composer Byron Wallen, The Coronet Theatre Jazz Festival returns for its fifth edition, bringing together adventurous artists from across the international jazz scene for a celebration of bold, boundary-pushing music.

Saturday brings together a London-based supergroup of Arabic and jazz musicians to reimagine the ancient tradition of maqam, the system of melodic modes central to Arabic music, for the 21st century.

Louai Alhenawi on ney flute and percussion, Salar Asid on violin and Byron Wallen on trumpet and percussion are joined by bass and drums. Together, they draw on the musical traditions explored by artists including Yusef Lateef, Don Cherry and Jon Hassell, finding new connections between instruments and approaches to improvisation.

The evening takes inspiration from the poetry and teachings of Sufi writers Rumi, Hafiz and Muhammad al-Hashimi al-Tilimsani. Their reflections on love, devotion and spiritual life inform a programme that gives these musicians room to exchange ideas and develop their own interpretations.

Stay after the performance for a drink and a late-night set from emerging UK jazz musicians in our candlelit bar.

Line-up

Louai Alhenawi – ney flute and percussion
Salar Asid – violin
Byron Wallen – trumpet and percussion
Bass and drums to be confirmed

The Coronet Theatre Jazz Festival 2026: Spirits and Healers

The festival begins on Friday 11 December with a programme led by Byron Wallen, inspired by the paintings of Malangatana Valente Ngwenya. Tickets for Friday are available here.