Samvel Gasparyan

PROGRAMME DETAILS Following the successful participation of the TAWASL Ensemble, comprised of Berklee Abu Dhabi and Bait Al Oud musicians, at the Jeonju International Sori Festival last year, as well as the inaugural exchange concert featuring "Duo Bud" at Abu Dhabi Art, Berklee Abu Dhabi is thrilled to present the culminating concert of our cultural exchange program during the holy month of Ramadan. This event will highlight Korean percussion master Dong-Won Kim, known for his mastery in traditional Korean percussion, vocalization, and improvisation, accompanied by the talented Haegeum musician Kook Jaewhan and Daeguem player LEE Sung Gu. The performance will also showcase Berklee Abu Dhabi musicians including Samvel Gasparyan on piano, Haleem Al Khatib on qanoon, Salman Baalbaki on Arabic percussion, led by Berklee faculty, and violinist Yarub Smarait. About JISF: The JISF (Jeonju International Sori Festival) is a government-funded traditional/world music festival established 21 years ago, situated in an ancient city with rich heritage and cultural landscapes, approximately 3.5 hours from the capital city of Seoul. Each year, the festival extends invitations to artists from around the world to collaborate with Korean artists during the openings and key performances. Renowned as South Korea's premier music festival dedicated to preserving and showcasing the true value of traditional music, the JISF has garnered significant international acclaim. Musicians biographies: Dong-Won Kim : Percussionist, pedagogue, vocalist, composer, improviser, Dong-Won Kim has studied various forms of traditional music from great Korean music masters. LEE Sung gu : Daegeum player LEE Seong gu has been continued diverse musical activities as a performer and conductor. In 2011, he founded the fusion ensemble Soriae with local young classical and traditional Korean musicians. Yarub Smarait : Jordanian violinist and music producer, Yarub Smarait has built a career that made him a notable figure among emerging musicians from the Arab region. Drawing inspiration from folkloric fusions, his music has an international appeal that effortlessly transcends language barriers, making complex compositions accessible to all ears. Unafraid to bend the rules, Yarub consistently produces sounds that reflect his individualistic musicianship. Samvel Gasparyan : Award winning pianist and composer Samvel Gasparyan has been active in international music scene since 1998.He is a Universal Music Group artist (MENA), professional member of Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, educator at Berklee Abu Dhabi and resident pianist at Dubai Opera Jazz Big Band. Haleem Al Khatib : Has began his musical talent at a young age, where he began studying the oud at the age of seven, and then the qanun, by researching playing methods, whether playing the classical Arabic method or playing the Turkish method, to complete his musical career on the path to becoming a professional for this instrument. Salman Baalbaki : Percussion player (Riq, Darboka, Katem, Congas and Cajon…) Recorded and Performed with leading acts from the region and on the international scenes, knowledgeable and experienced in several music genres (Classical Arabic, Latin, and Fusion).