“Syrian oud player and music facilitator, graduate of the Conservatoire of Damascus (2014). Rihab was the first woman oudist to solo-perform accompanied by the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music (2014).
In 2015, she received a Chevening scholarship, which enabled her to study Music Education at Master’s level at UCL. In 2016, Arts Council England Recognised Rihab as a musician of “exceptional promise”, allowing her to work in the UK as a “Migrant Talent”. Since 2015, Rihab has performed in the UK as a soloist and with different ensembles and orchestras such as the London Sinfonietta, Cantata Dramatica and The Third Orchestra. She has collaborated on several interdisciplinary, compositional, and cross-genre projects and has been described as a highlight in multiple press reviews of live performances and festivals she has played. Her playing was described as “infinitely tender and haunting”- The Arts Desk and her appearance in ENF2021 was described as a “Highlight” – The Guardian.
Rihab has contributed as a panellist, practitioner and social advocate to workshops hosted by Oxford, Cambridge, Westminster Universities, King's College London, and V&A Museum. Through her regular appearances, Rihab has supported the causes of several community groups, organisations, and initiatives active in education, migrant rights advocacy, feminism, and social justice.
In 2015, she received a Chevening scholarship, which enabled her to study Music Education at Master’s level at UCL. In 2016, Arts Council England Recognised Rihab as a musician of “exceptional promise”, allowing her to work in the UK as a “Migrant Talent”. Since 2015, Rihab has performed in the UK as a soloist and with different ensembles and orchestras such as the London Sinfonietta, Cantata Dramatica and The Third Orchestra. She has collaborated on several interdisciplinary, compositional, and cross-genre projects and has been described as a highlight in multiple press reviews of live performances and festivals she has played. Her playing was described as “infinitely tender and haunting”- The Arts Desk and her appearance in ENF2021 was described as a “Highlight” – The Guardian.
Rihab has contributed as a panellist, practitioner and social advocate to workshops hosted by Oxford, Cambridge, Westminster Universities, King's College London, and V&A Museum. Through her regular appearances, Rihab has supported the causes of several community groups, organisations, and initiatives active in education, migrant rights advocacy, feminism, and social justice.
Rihab also teaches music at several primary schools in London and she is Wigmore Hall’s Trainee Music Leader for 2022-2023 in music facilitation, working in different community settings.
Alongside a repertoire of “classical” and traditional tunes from the middle-Eastand North African countries, Rihab has been writing and sharing more of her own oud-centred music. Her compositions have been very well-received and described as “unique and unconventional” in how they present the oud in a fresh, playful, curious way whilst still preserving the core sound characteristics that have come to give the oud its unique presence worldwide.”
Alongside a repertoire of “classical” and traditional tunes from the middle-Eastand North African countries, Rihab has been writing and sharing more of her own oud-centred music. Her compositions have been very well-received and described as “unique and unconventional” in how they present the oud in a fresh, playful, curious way whilst still preserving the core sound characteristics that have come to give the oud its unique presence worldwide.”