Tradition and Improvisation

Damascus–Berlin Workshop Riyadh 2025
A Musical Encounter Between East and West

The Damascus–Berlin project brings together two exceptional musicians — the Berlin-based cellist Maria Magdalena Wiesmaier and the Damascus-born oud player Nabil Hilaneh — who explore the dialogue between classical Arabic and Western music traditions.
What began in 2015 as a collaboration driven by curiosity and mutual inspiration has since grown into an acclaimed duo performing across Europe and the Middle East, including at the German Embassy in Manama on the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Bahrain. Their album Prelude & Maqam (2022) blends works by J.S. Bach with original compositions and has been featured by Deutschlandfunk Kultur.

In Riyadh, Damascus–Berlin will offer a five-day workshop from 20–24 October 2025 at Beit Al Oud, creating a space for artistic exchange between musicians from classical and oriental backgrounds. Participants will engage in improvisation, composition, and ensemble performance, guided by Maria and Nabil, who together merge the 12-tone system of Western music with the melodic and quarter-tone richness of the Arabic maqamat.

Workshop Details:

• Dates: 20–24 October 2025 (five consecutive days)
• Venue: Beit Al Oud, Riyadh

Instructors:

• Maria Magdalena Wiesmaier (Cello)
• Nabil Hilaneh (Oud)

Open to: Intermediate to professional musicians (Oud, Qanun, Violin, Cello, Nay, and similar instruments)
Format: Group sessions (3 hours daily) with optional one-to-one coaching
Final Presentation: Short performance on the last day

Application:

• Applicants should prepare a 5-minute solo piece or improvisation for the audition.
• Practise two short pieces in advance (to be provided upon registration)If the number of applicants
• exceeds capacity, a selection will be made; others are invited to attend as listeners.

Join this unique opportunity to connect, create, and perform — where musical traditions meet, converse, and evolve.