The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra (AAO) was founded in 2011 by young Amsterdam and Moroccan musicians united by a passion for the heritage of Al-Andalus - a culture shaped by centuries of interplay between Arab, Amazigh, Jewish and Christian traditions. The ensemble moves fluidly between classical Arab-Andalusian repertoire, jazz and flamenco, and has collaborated with partners ranging from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra to Dutch National Opera. In 2024 the AAO received the prestigious Cultuurfonds Prize for its genre-crossing productions and educational outreach. Beyond concerts, it founded the Ud Festival and co-created cultural centre MAQAM in Amsterdam-West.
On 16 August 2026, the AAO gives a sneak preview of the new production GHOSTS on the terrace of the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, together with singer Mohamed Al Tayeb.
In November 2026, the AAO performs at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ together with Anwar Saidi, as part of the UD Festival.
In March 2025, the AAO brought together with De Nationale Opera and the Meervaart the music theatre production Oum - A Son's Quest for His Mother, with music by Bushra El-Turk and direction by Kenza Koutchoukali.
On 27 November 2024, the Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest received the Cultuurfonds Prize 2024, linked to an amount of € 100,000.
In January 2025, the AAO started a new workshop series for primary schools in cultural centre MAQAM, with the Bos en Lommerschool as the first participant.
The Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra marks 15 years with a jubilee celebration featuring music, stories and community gatherings.
Amira al Rawi brings the classic Arabic love story of Layla and Majnun to life through dance, hip-hop and live Arabo-Andalusian music from the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra.