It’s not often that Laraaji makes a stop in Ottawa, so this was a rare and unmissable experience.
As part of the Ambient Church, the performance also marked his first time in the city—and my first visit to Centretown United Church, making the night feel even more special.
The evening unfolded as a deeply immersive blend of sound and atmosphere. Laraaji created a luminous sonic landscape using his electronically modified zither, alongside hammered dulcimer, kalimba, synthesizers, piano, and voice.
The performance felt both meditative and transportive, filling the space with warmth and resonance.
Paired with the church’s intimate setting, the show became as much a visual experience as a sonic one—a beautiful convergence of sight and sound that invited stillness and reflection.
Easily one of the most memorable live experiences I’ve had.
Check out the gallery.
