Ross Daly Quartet at Theatre of the NO: A Journey from Crete to Central Asia

Theatre of the NO hosts Ross Daly and his Quartet on Saturday, April 25 at 21:30 for a unique musical evening that bridges the past and present of global musical traditions. Ross Daly, one of the most iconic figures on the international music scene, will present a program that masterfully blends tradition, improvisation, and contemporary musical expression.

On stage, four accomplished musicians come together: Ross Daly (lyra, tarhu, rabab), Kelly Thoma (lyra), Thomas Meleteas (oud), and Maro Panagi (percussion). Together, they create a program of contemporary modal compositions inspired by the musical traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, and beyond. Their music fosters a lively dialogue between the local and the universal, connecting traditional forms with modern interpretation.

Born in England to Irish parents, Ross Daly began his musical journey with the cello and guitar before turning to the music of the East, with a particular focus on Indian classical traditions. In 1975, he moved to Crete, where he studied the Cretan lyra with Kostas Mountakis and traveled extensively to Turkey and Afghanistan, deepening his understanding of traditional musical forms and instruments.

A virtuoso of many instruments, Daly has collaborated with prominent international musicians, moving fluidly between Eastern musical traditions and contemporary improvisation. His repertoire includes the Cretan lyra, rabab, laouto, Byzantine lyra, sarangi, oud, saz, and tambour.

As a composer and teacher, Daly is renowned for creating multi-layered sonic landscapes and cultivating a deeply human connection with his collaborators, offering audiences an authentic musical experience. Through the Music Workshop “Labyrinth” that he founded and directs in Crete, he has transformed the island into an international hub for artistic exchange, hosting musicians from around the world and fostering dialogue between traditions.

His music is strongly influenced by Sufi philosophy, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of sound and its transformative power for both performer and listener. Moving beyond conventional labels like “world music” or “ethnic,” Daly offers a deeply immersive, almost ritualistic experience.