It doesn’t take long to understand that the Syrian composer, singer, and oudist Waed Bouhassoun is a classical virtuoso. There is a reason her instrument, the Oud, is basically the same as the European lute: for a long time no borders were recognized in the Mediterranean. Waed Bouhassoun’s poetic lyrics and compositions are of a rare quality, reminiscent of the Arabic legends of the 1930s. Therefore it comes as no surprise that she, over the last couple of years, has performed at the Maison des cultures de monde, Institute du monde arabe, Madinah Festival, and Opera of Damascus. Waed Bouhassoun was also the first Arabic singer to be invited to perform a solo piece at Teatro Real in Madrid, under their section Grandes cantantes (great singers). The names of her three latest albums, Hommage a Syrie (2013), L’âme du luth (2014), and La voix de l’amour (2008) summarizes the message: Syria, love and the Oud. Her performance at Clandestino will take place in collaboration with Bottna Church, which was built in the 12th century.