Established in Damascus in 2011, the Ramal Ensemble comprises a collective of Syrian musicians renowned for their captivating blend of Middle-Eastern and Western classical music. The Ensemble’s repertoire seamlessly integrates Arabic Maqams with the characteristics of experimental and modern music, resulting in a unique and contemporary soundscape.
Driven by the catastrophic war in Syria, the ensemble sought refuge in Germany, where they continued their individual and collective journeys. They shared their message of fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse musical scene across Europe through workshops focused on folk
and intercultural music.
The Ensemble has appeared at prestigious festivals in Europe such as the Weimar Kunst Fest, Rudolstadt Festival, and Roskilde Festival, connecting with diverse audiences. Since 2019, the Ramal Ensemble has cultivated collaborative partnerships with cultural organizations, including Barzakh, KulturLeben Berlin, and the Barenboim Said Academy. These partnerships have not only secured scholarships and funding from institutions like NEUSTART KULTUR and Hauptstadtkulturfonds but have also facilitated a series of commissioned concerts at renowned venues such as the Pierre Boulez Saal, Konzerthaus, Kühlhaus, Berliner Ensemble, and others. These concerts have featured guest artists from various backgrounds, with notable collaborators including the Deutsche Oper solo violinist Monia Rizkallah.
The members of the Ramal Ensemble have received their education at prestigious institutions such as the Barenboim Said Academy in Berlin and the Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt in Weimar, The West Eastern Divan Orchestra, where they had the opportunity to study and perform under the mentorship of renowned artists like Daniel Barenboim, András Schiff, Yo-Yo Ma and Emmanuel Pahud. These experiences have further enriched their expertise and collaborative spirit.
The Ensemble
Elias Aboud
Elias Aboud is a Berlin based Syrian percussionist and experimental composer. He is a founder of the Ramal Ensemble and performs internationally as a soloist and alongside various ensembles such as the Boulez Ensemble. Elias’ first CD, |Intimate Distance|, released in 2024 was funded by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture. His extensive portfolio includes music for theater and musical theater, modern Arabic music with contemporary influences, as well as electro-acoustic compositions. His works have been performed at renowned venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic, the Pierre Boulez Saal, and the Rudolstadt Festival.
Saleh Katbeh
Salеh is a Syrian-German composer, music theorist and oud player, a graduate of Franz Liszt Hochschule für Musik in Weimer, known for his contributions to film and thеatеr. His compositions havе gracеd productions such as “Thе Factory,” prеmiеrеd in 2018 at Volksbühnе, Bеrlin, “Y-Sеdnaya,” prеmiеrеd in 2020 in Naplеs, and “King kommt noch,” a collaboration with Gеrman composеr Ulrich Krеppеin …
Angela Boutros
Angela is a Syrian-Belgian Film Composer and Pianist resides in the vibrant city of Berlin. Her interest in combining Arabic music characteristics with modern harmonies, extended techniques and electronics, shapes her piano style. Angela made her debut together with the Osnabrücker Symphonieorchester under the baton of Daniel Inbal for the premier of her composition ‘Suite for Piano and Orchestra’ at the finale of the Morgenland Festival 2022 in Osnabrück. She performed in numerous jazz, classical, fusion festivals and concerts such as ‘Music in the Ancient Ears’ in Alula, Saudi Arabia, and ‘Arabic Music Days’ at the Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin with renown names like Naseer Shamma.
Basilius Alawad
Basilius Alawad, a Syrian composer and cellist based in Berlin, a graduate of the Barenboim Said Akademie and the Film University Babelsberg, known for his diverse repertoire spanning various genres. His expertise includes film scoring, modern Arabic music with contemporary influences, and electro-acoustic compositions. Basilius has collaborated with renowned artists such as YoYo-Ma, Naseer Shamma, Daniel Barenboim (as a member of the West Eastern Divan Orchestra) and his music was performed at prestigious venues as the Carnegie Hall, Boulez Saal and the Berliner Philharmonie.
Yazan Alsabbagh
Yazan Alsabbagh is a Syrian-German clarinetist based in Berlin, a graduate of the Barenboim-Said Academy and HOFA College. He has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Emanuel Pahud, Aytac Dogan, and has composed music for theater, film, and concert performances. His work has garnered over 10 million views on various social media platforms.
Ramal Ensemble 