Songs We Carry is a joint project by British Jewish singer and multi-instrumentalist Ana Silvera and Palestinian oud player and singer Saeed Silbak. The project focuses on finding common ground between their cultural traditions—the emotional and melancholic Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) songs selected by Ana from her family history, and the rich Maqams and finely woven melodies of Arabic music brought by Saied from his artistic tradition. Ana Silvera comes from a family of Sephardic Jews, and her work often combines ancient tradition with expressions of contemporary songwriting. Saied Silbak was born in Shafaa'mr in Lower Galilee, Palestine. His musical education combines Arabic, Turkish, and Indian influences with elements of Western music. The duo met in London and together created a project that is not only a fusion of styles, but above all a dialogue, storytelling, and sharing of cultural stories.
Their repertoire blends traditional Ladino songs with ancient Arabic compositions, often recomposed or arranged for the contemporary scene. The music is meditative, deeply emotional, constantly shifting between melancholy and hope. The album Songs We Carry, released in the fall of 2024, received positive reviews. The launch concert at London's famous Kings Place sold out in no time and was reviewed as follows (by Mark Kidel of The Arts Desk): "... their presence on stage and the harmony that binds them together is in itself a declaration of love and humanity."
