ABOUT
Bashar Sharifah
Cellist, Composer.
Born: September 30, 1980, Aleppo, Syria
An Endless Passion for Music
Bashar Sharifah is an accomplished cellist and composer whose work blends the traditions of classical Arabic music with the innovations of Western classical and contemporary genres. Born in Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities dating back to the 11th century B.C and a historic epicenter of Arab music and culture, Sharifah was immersed in a rich musical heritage from an early age.
Raised in a musical family, Sharifah began his musical education at the age of seven with vocal training. By the age of 10, he took up the cello, studying at the Arabic Classical Music Institute in Aleppo. Under the guidance of Armenian teacher Sarkis Koshkarian, he developed a profound love for the instrument. His technical and artistic development was further refined through mentorship with renowned Russian cellist Konstantin Popov, who played a pivotal role in shaping his distinctive sound.
At 14 years old, he became a member of the Aleppo Chamber Orchestra, and by 15, he was performing with Aleppo’s Oriental Orchestra. These formative experiences laid the foundation for a career that has taken him to some of the world’s most prominent stages.
As a cellist, Sharifah has toured extensively across the Arab world, Europe, and the Americas, collaborating with distinguished artists in the classical Arabic music scene. Additionally, he has contributed his work to film and television, recording scores for national Arabic networks.
It never ends
Passion never die. It grows
In 2012, the Syrian civil war forced Sharifah to leave his homeland, leading him to settle in Sweden. Despite the challenges of exile, he continued to pursue his musical vision, performing with the Uddevalla Chamber Orchestra and collaborating with numerous European ensembles. Eventually, he established his own band in Gothenburg, where he recorded his debut album, New Times.
New Times is a deeply personal project that reflects Sharifah’s experiences as a musician and as a person navigating the complexities of displacement and hope. The album, co-composed/arranged with bassist Marcus Utbult, combines original compositions and modern arrangements of classical Arabic pieces. It seamlessly merges elements of Arabic music with jazz, latin, and fusion influences, showcasing Sharifah’s expression and musicality in the musical traditions of east and west.
Bashar has since then toured around Europe performing with his band and other projects playing with some of the most distinguished musicians and artists in Europe.
Sharifah had worked as an Arabic classical music lecturer in the academy of music and drama (Gothenburg University), teaching Arabic classical singing, cello, Maqam music theory and improvisation.
In 2024, he moved to Oberhausen, Germany, and is working on his next collaborating with distinguished musicians from different parts of the world.
