TARAB ENSEMBLE
Classical Arabic music with a twist
Tarab is an Arabic word that, while difficult to translate, encapsulates the pleasure and joy one gets from great, often classical, Arab music.
Founded in 2019 by Palestinian-Australian musician Yousef Alreemawi, Tarab Ensemble draws inspiration from the captivating concept of Tarab and the deeply expressive traditions of classical Arabic music. The ensemble initially united multi-faith, Arabic-speaking musicians from Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, addressing the under-representation of this rich musical heritage in Victoria. Tarab has since expanded, bringing together musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Today, thanks to the talent and tireless efforts of its members, Tarab Ensemble has evolved to become Australia’s leading music group totally dedicated to instrumental classical Arabic music….
But don’t forget… with a twist!
upcoming shows
9 MAY
@MELBOURNE RECITAL CENTRE
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upcoming shows
Join our mailing list to stay in the loop about our upcoming performances.
Dr. Ali Abdallah
Dr Ali is a world-renowned expert on Arabic music and Iraqi scales. In the 80s and 90s, he led the establishment of several major Iraqi music institutions including the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra, and international music festivals such as Babylon International Festival. In 2015, he migrated to Australia and started sharing his vast knowledge with the community.
Since 2020, Dr Ali has been providing invaluable support and guidance to Tarab Ensemble and its members in many ways including in rehearsals, selection of repertoire and refining orchestrations.
Yousef Alreemawi
Yousef founded Tarab in 2019 and has been leading the ensemble ever since. A multi-talented Palestinian-Australian, Yousef is an award-winning musician, intellectual, and advocate.
His musical journey began at 16 in Saudi Arabia, when he started to learn organ. After moving to Australia in 2003, he co-founded Jafra Band, performing “Arabic music with western instruments,” and through this musical endeavour supported several Australian charities.
Despite a mobility disability, Yousef has excelled as a renowned academic, translator, writer, podcast producer, political analyst and refugee advocate. Since 2013 Yousef has been directing Averroes Centre of Arab Culture, an organisation he established to.promote knowledge about Arab culture in Australia. He also founded ASPIRE, a not-for-profit which has helped resettle over 250 Palestinians to Australia and provides ongoing support to stateless Palestinians.
Yousef’s contributions to promoting Arab culture and advocating for marginalised groups have earned him multiple accolades, including the Eureka Australia Medal (2017) and Palestinian of the Year (2021).
Krikor Khaderian
Krikor is a co-founder of Tarab ensemble, bringing the spirit of Armenian music to the ensemble. Arriving in Australia in 2016 as a refugee from Syria, he quickly became one of Australia’s leading Arab saxophone players.
He started his music career in 1974 in Damascus and played with Zanoubia Symphony Orchestra and several other prestigious ensembles and orchestras in Syria and Lebanon. He has also been involved in music production for numerous TV drama and educational productions in Syria, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Sarah McDonald
Sarah is a seasoned vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (from Castlemaine) who has been with Tarab since its inception. She has wide ranging experience across many styles, ranging from leading jazz combos throughout Australia and Japan, performing at festivals with original contemporary projects, playing music for circus, theatre and film and a number of world music ensembles.
Dr. Michael Currie
After emerging onto the music improvisation scene in the 2000s with his ensemble Stir (Andrea Keller/Alain Valodze; Melbourne Jazz Co-op, SIMA), Michael left for France and studied with double bass virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and has developed a fluid and lyrical improvisation style. He has played with many improvising and folk musicians, including Peggy Van Zalm. He currently co-leads the ensemble Engla which explores the interplay between the expressive forces of music and image. He experiments with alternative tunings to enhance the range of expression of the double bass and has worked with bass luthiers Ben Puglisi and Matthew Tucker to develop a 5-string double bass (added high C) in 2018. Michael has employed music in his work as a psychoanalyst with aggressive children and adolescents. He has won several awards (including an Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from the University of Newcastle).
He has also written two books published through Melbourne University Press and published several articles on the influence of the unconscious in the appreciation of fine art.
Michael joined Tarab in May 2022.
Khajak Khachigian
Khajak is a Syrian-Armenian guitarist and guitar maker. Born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Syria, Khajak embarked on a musical journey that would soon transcend borders. From his musical beginnings delving into the diverse and evocative world of Armenian musical traditions, Khajak is not just a musician; he is a sonic storyteller and a cultural ambassador who weaves together the threads of their Syrian-Armenian heritage with influences gathered from around the globe.
In 2018, Khajak took their artistry to a new level by venturing into the world of luthiery. Fuelled by a passion for both the craft and the sound, he started crafting electric guitars from scratch. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a manifestation of Khajak’s dedication to the symbiosis of form and function. Through guitars, bouzoukis, and a relentless passion for crafting sound, Khajak invites you to join them on a journey where borders blur, and music becomes a universal language.
In late 2022, Khajak embraced a new chapter in their musical journey by joining the Tarab Ensemble. Known for its commitment to preserving and innovating Middle Eastern music, Tarab became a natural home for Khajak’s diverse musical background.
Nasser Ammar
Nasser is a highly accomplished Lebanese percussionist with over three decades of musical experience. He has performed extensively with Arab bands in Australia and his home-country of Lebanon, sharing the stage with iconic singers including Najwa Karam, Milhim Barakat, Wael Kfouri, Kazem Es-Sahir and Geroge Wassouf.
In November 2023, Nasser joined the Tarab Ensemble, bringing his rich expertise and passion for Arabic music to the group.
Bassam Muneer
Of Iraqi heritage, Bassam brings a profound depth to the Tarab Ensemble, enriching our music with the intricate scales and melodies of Iraq and the wider Arab world. In addition to his exceptional talent on the oud, Bassam is an acclaimed visual artist specialising in painting, with his work featured in numerous art galleries.
Chiharu Hotta
Chiharu moved to Australia in 2023 from Japan but her passion for Arabic music and Nay was born in her home country. In 2021, she started taking Nay lessons with one of the best Nay players in the world, and performed several shows in Japan.
Besides music, Chiharu loves languages and holds a bachelor degree in Spanish and Latin American culture.
Basma
Multi-percussionist, and guitarist from Syria. Her career in engineering did not stop her from exploring her passion and talent in music. Basma migrated to Australia from Syria 8 years ago and managed to build an impressive profile in music with Tarab Ensemble, and Watar Band, alongside engineering.
Dr. Ali Abdallah
Dr Ali is a world-renowned expert on Arabic music and Iraqi scales. In the 80s and 90s, he led the establishment of several major Iraqi music institutions including the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra, and international music festivals such as Babylon International Festival. In 2015, he migrated to Australia and started sharing his vast knowledge with the community.
Since 2020, Dr Ali has been providing invaluable support and guidance to Tarab Ensemble and its members in many ways including in rehearsals, selection of repertoire and refining orchestrations.
Yousef Alreemawi
Yousef founded Tarab in 2019 and has been leading the ensemble ever since. A multi-talented Palestinian-Australian, Yousef is an award-winning musician, intellectual, and advocate.
His musical journey began at 16 in Saudi Arabia, when he started to learn organ. After moving to Australia in 2003, he co-founded Jafra Band, performing “Arabic music with western instruments,” and through this musical endeavour supported several Australian charities.
Despite a mobility disability, Yousef has excelled as a renowned academic, translator, writer, podcast producer, political analyst and refugee advocate. Since 2013 Yousef has been directing Averroes Centre of Arab Culture, an organisation he established to.promote knowledge about Arab culture in Australia. He also founded ASPIRE, a not-for-profit which has helped resettle over 250 Palestinians to Australia and provides ongoing support to stateless Palestinians.
Yousef’s contributions to promoting Arab culture and advocating for marginalised groups have earned him multiple accolades, including the Eureka Australia Medal (2017) and Palestinian of the Year (2021).
Krikor Khaderian
Krikor is a co-founder of Tarab ensemble, bringing the spirit of Armenian music to the ensemble. Arriving in Australia in 2016 as a refugee from Syria, he quickly became one of Australia’s leading Arab saxophone players.
He started his music career in 1974 in Damascus and played with Zanoubia Symphony Orchestra and several other prestigious ensembles and orchestras in Syria and Lebanon. He has also been involved in music production for numerous TV drama and educational productions in Syria, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Sarah McDonald
Sarah is a seasoned vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (from Castlemaine) who has been with Tarab since its inception. She has wide ranging experience across many styles, ranging from leading jazz combos throughout Australia and Japan, performing at festivals with original contemporary projects, playing music for circus, theatre and film and a number of world music ensembles.
Dr. Michael Currie
After emerging onto the music improvisation scene in the 2000s with his ensemble Stir (Andrea Keller/Alain Valodze; Melbourne Jazz Co-op, SIMA), Michael left for France and studied with double bass virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and has developed a fluid and lyrical improvisation style. He has played with many improvising and folk musicians, including Peggy Van Zalm. He currently co-leads the ensemble Engla which explores the interplay between the expressive forces of music and image. He experiments with alternative tunings to enhance the range of expression of the double bass and has worked with bass luthiers Ben Puglisi and Matthew Tucker to develop a 5-string double bass (added high C) in 2018. Michael has employed music in his work as a psychoanalyst with aggressive children and adolescents. He has won several awards (including an Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from the University of Newcastle).
He has also written two books published through Melbourne University Press and published several articles on the influence of the unconscious in the appreciation of fine art.
Michael joined Tarab in May 2022.
Khajak Khachigian
Khajak is a Syrian-Armenian guitarist and guitar maker. Born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Syria, Khajak embarked on a musical journey that would soon transcend borders. From his musical beginnings delving into the diverse and evocative world of Armenian musical traditions, Khajak is not just a musician; he is a sonic storyteller and a cultural ambassador who weaves together the threads of their Syrian-Armenian heritage with influences gathered from around the globe.
In 2018, Khajak took their artistry to a new level by venturing into the world of luthiery. Fuelled by a passion for both the craft and the sound, he started crafting electric guitars from scratch. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a manifestation of Khajak’s dedication to the symbiosis of form and function. Through guitars, bouzoukis, and a relentless passion for crafting sound, Khajak invites you to join them on a journey where borders blur, and music becomes a universal language.
In late 2022, Khajak embraced a new chapter in their musical journey by joining the Tarab Ensemble. Known for its commitment to preserving and innovating Middle Eastern music, Tarab became a natural home for Khajak’s diverse musical background.
Nasser Ammar
Nasser is a highly accomplished Lebanese percussionist with over three decades of musical experience. He has performed extensively with Arab bands in Australia and his home-country of Lebanon, sharing the stage with iconic singers including Najwa Karam, Milhim Barakat, Wael Kfouri, Kazem Es-Sahir and Geroge Wassouf.
In November 2023, Nasser joined the Tarab Ensemble, bringing his rich expertise and passion for Arabic music to the group.
Bassam Muneer
Of Iraqi heritage, Bassam brings a profound depth to the Tarab Ensemble, enriching our music with the intricate scales and melodies of Iraq and the wider Arab world. In addition to his exceptional talent on the oud, Bassam is an acclaimed visual artist specialising in painting, with his work featured in numerous art galleries.
Chiharu Hotta
Chiharu moved to Australia in 2023 from Japan but her passion for Arabic music and Nay was born in her home country. In 2021, she started taking Nay lessons with one of the best Nay players in the world, and performed several shows in Japan.
Besides music, Chiharu loves languages and holds a bachelor degree in Spanish and Latin American culture.
Basma
Multi-percussionist, and guitarist from Syria. Her career in engineering did not stop her from exploring her passion and talent in music. Basma migrated to Australia from Syria 8 years ago and managed to build an impressive profile in music with Tarab Ensemble, and Watar Band, alongside engineering.
Meet the band
Dr. Ali Abdallah
Dr Ali is a world-renowned expert on Arabic music and Iraqi scales. In the 80s and 90s, he led the establishment of several major Iraqi music institutions including the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra, and international music festivals such as Babylon International Festival. In 2015, he migrated to Australia and started sharing his vast knowledge with the community.
Since 2020, Dr Ali has been providing invaluable support and guidance to Tarab Ensemble and its members in many ways including in rehearsals, selection of repertoire and refining orchestrations.
Yousef Alreemawi
Yousef founded Tarab in 2019 and has been leading the ensemble ever since. A multi-talented Palestinian-Australian, Yousef is an award-winning musician, intellectual, and advocate.
His musical journey began at 16 in Saudi Arabia, when he started to learn organ. After moving to Australia in 2003, he co-founded Jafra Band, performing “Arabic music with western instruments,” and through this musical endeavour supported several Australian charities.
Despite a mobility disability, Yousef has excelled as a renowned academic, translator, writer, podcast producer, political analyst and refugee advocate. Since 2013 Yousef has been directing Averroes Centre of Arab Culture, an organisation he established to.promote knowledge about Arab culture in Australia. He also founded ASPIRE, a not-for-profit which has helped resettle over 250 Palestinians to Australia and provides ongoing support to stateless Palestinians.
Yousef’s contributions to promoting Arab culture and advocating for marginalised groups have earned him multiple accolades, including the Eureka Australia Medal (2017) and Palestinian of the Year (2021).
Krikor Khaderian
Krikor is a co-founder of Tarab ensemble, bringing the spirit of Armenian music to the ensemble. Arriving in Australia in 2016 as a refugee from Syria, he quickly became one of Australia’s leading Arab saxophone players.
He started his music career in 1974 in Damascus and played with Zanoubia Symphony Orchestra and several other prestigious ensembles and orchestras in Syria and Lebanon. He has also been involved in music production for numerous TV drama and educational productions in Syria, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Sarah McDonald
Sarah is a seasoned vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (from Castlemaine) who has been with Tarab since its inception. She has wide ranging experience across many styles, ranging from leading jazz combos throughout Australia and Japan, performing at festivals with original contemporary projects, playing music for circus, theatre and film and a number of world music ensembles.
Dr. Michael Currie
After emerging onto the music improvisation scene in the 2000s with his ensemble Stir (Andrea Keller/Alain Valodze; Melbourne Jazz Co-op, SIMA), Michael left for France and studied with double bass virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and has developed a fluid and lyrical improvisation style. He has played with many improvising and folk musicians, including Peggy Van Zalm. He currently co-leads the ensemble Engla which explores the interplay between the expressive forces of music and image. He experiments with alternative tunings to enhance the range of expression of the double bass and has worked with bass luthiers Ben Puglisi and Matthew Tucker to develop a 5-string double bass (added high C) in 2018. Michael has employed music in his work as a psychoanalyst with aggressive children and adolescents. He has won several awards (including an Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from the University of Newcastle).
He has also written two books published through Melbourne University Press and published several articles on the influence of the unconscious in the appreciation of fine art.
Michael joined Tarab in May 2022.
Khajak Khachigian
Khajak is a Syrian-Armenian guitarist and guitar maker. Born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Syria, Khajak embarked on a musical journey that would soon transcend borders. From his musical beginnings delving into the diverse and evocative world of Armenian musical traditions, Khajak is not just a musician; he is a sonic storyteller and a cultural ambassador who weaves together the threads of their Syrian-Armenian heritage with influences gathered from around the globe.
In 2018, Khajak took their artistry to a new level by venturing into the world of luthiery. Fuelled by a passion for both the craft and the sound, he started crafting electric guitars from scratch. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a manifestation of Khajak’s dedication to the symbiosis of form and function. Through guitars, bouzoukis, and a relentless passion for crafting sound, Khajak invites you to join them on a journey where borders blur, and music becomes a universal language.
In late 2022, Khajak embraced a new chapter in their musical journey by joining the Tarab Ensemble. Known for its commitment to preserving and innovating Middle Eastern music, Tarab became a natural home for Khajak’s diverse musical background.
Nasser Ammar
Nasser is a highly accomplished Lebanese percussionist with over three decades of musical experience. He has performed extensively with Arab bands in Australia and his home-country of Lebanon, sharing the stage with iconic singers including Najwa Karam, Milhim Barakat, Wael Kfouri, Kazem Es-Sahir and Geroge Wassouf.
In November 2023, Nasser joined the Tarab Ensemble, bringing his rich expertise and passion for Arabic music to the group.
Bassam Muneer
Of Iraqi heritage, Bassam brings a profound depth to the Tarab Ensemble, enriching our music with the intricate scales and melodies of Iraq and the wider Arab world. In addition to his exceptional talent on the oud, Bassam is an acclaimed visual artist specialising in painting, with his work featured in numerous art galleries.
Chiharu Hotta
Chiharu moved to Australia in 2023 from Japan but her passion for Arabic music and Nay was born in her home country. In 2021, she started taking Nay lessons with one of the best Nay players in the world, and performed several shows in Japan.
Besides music, Chiharu loves languages and holds a bachelor degree in Spanish and Latin American culture.
Basma
Multi-percussionist, and guitarist from Syria. Her career in engineering did not stop her from exploring her passion and talent in music. Basma migrated to Australia from Syria 8 years ago and managed to build an impressive profile in music with Tarab Ensemble, and Watar Band, alongside engineering.