Ana Alcaide

What Ana Alcaide makes

Topics sephardic-jews, toledo, nyckelharpa, music, cultural-heritage

ANA ALCAIDE (Toledo, Spain) Ana Alcaide's music is inspired by the journey of the Sephardic Jews and her city, which is why is commonly referred to as the 'Toledo Soundtrack'. While pursuing her degree in biology, Ana travelled to Sweden where she discovered the nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument that dates back to the Middle Ages. She fell in love with the instrument and taught herself how to play it on the streets of Toledo, far from its traditional setting. Ana has played a pioneering role in the introduction and popularization of the nyckelharpa in Spain. Rooted in ancient traditions yet resolutely modern, her compositions deftly blend musical styles from different cultures. From the inspirational backdrop of the city of Toledo, Ana writes and produces her songs, creates new arrangements and adapts her instrument to ancient melodies that originated in medieval Spain and have travelled throughout the Mediterranean region.

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