:: SEPO ::

SEPO
Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra

Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra (SEPO)

The Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra (SEPO) holds the historic distinction of being the first symphony orchestra established by and for professional and academic Syrian musicians living within the European Union and the diaspora. Founded in Germany in September 2015 by Syrian musician Raed Jazbeh, the orchestra was envisioned as a vital "orchestra in exile." SEPO serves as a profound cultural initiative, bringing together approximately 75 musicians to preserve and protect Syria's rich musical heritage in the face of destruction, while sending a powerful global message of peace, solidarity, and artistic excellence.

SEPO’s repertoire is defined by a seamless fusion of Eastern and Western traditions. The orchestra dedicates itself to introducing symphonic works by Syrian composers to the international classical music stage alongside Western masterpieces. Deeply committed to cultural dialogue, the ensemble also reimagines traditional Syrian and Oriental heritage music into grand orchestral forms. While utilizing full symphonic instrumentation, SEPO occasionally integrates traditional Oriental instruments to enrich and ground its authentic sonic identity.

Since its inception, the orchestra has toured extensively, performing on prominent European stages across Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, France, Poland, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Key Orchestral Appearances & Landmarks:

Festivals & Cultural Events: The Day of German Unity at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Berliner Philharmoniker Open-Air Season Opening Concert, the Salaam Festival at the Bozar Brussels with the Belgian National Orchestra, the Documenta 14 at the Megaron Concert Hall Athens with the Athens State Orchestra, the Brave Festival at the Wrocław Opera House with the Polish NFM Leopoldinum Orchestra, the Morgenland Festival Osnabrück, and the International Weeks Against Racism Osnabrück.

Concert Halls & Cultural Hubs: Historic performances at Konzerthaus Berlin, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Malmö Live Konserthus, and UdK Konzertsaal Berlin. Orchestral showcases have also been hosted at the Meudon Centre d’Art et de Culture in Paris, the Yehudi Menuhin Forum Bern, Deutsches Theater Göttingen, Verdo Concert Hall Hitzacker, as well as in cities including Bremen, Hanover, Vechta, Halle, and Darmstadt.

Collaborations: A historic performance at the prestigious Ravenna Festival in Italy, sharing the stage under the baton of legendary conductor Maestro Riccardo Muti.

In 2021, SEPO achieved significant international recognition by winning the Hollywood Music in Media Award (HMMA) for Exceptional Instrumental Performance, honoring their live performance of the symphonic piece "Tomorrow" by acclaimed Syrian woman film composer Suad Bushnaq, recorded at Konzerthaus Berlin.

Damascus String Quintet (DSQ)

The orchestra’s vision and diplomatic message are seamlessly carried forward by its chamber ensemble, the Damascus String Quintet (DSQ). As the first Syrian string quintet globally, DSQ emerged from SEPO to represent the parent orchestra at high-profile diplomatic, economic, and cultural forums across Europe, building an expansive bridge through major cultural hubs in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Romania, and Germany.

The quintet’s repertoire is defined by its versatile and inclusive artistic vision. DSQ seamlessly blends Western classical masterpieces with contemporary music, while dedicatedly showcasing works by Syrian composers. By integrating traditional Oriental heritage with modern chamber music structures, the ensemble creates a unique sonic bridge between East and West. Reflecting its artistic excellence, the quintet was awarded the prestigious Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) grant in the music category for 2024 to support the recording of their highly anticipated debut album.

Selected Highlights & Venues (DSQ):

Festivals & Arts Events: The Berlinale (Berlin International Film Festival), Edinburgh Arts Festival at the Scottish Parliament, West-Östlichen Diwan Festival Weimar, Kasseler Musiktage, Bucharest Art Week, International Music Festival Rhineland-Palatinate, Celebrate Life Festival, and the Syrianale Festival.

Global & Diplomatic Forums: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva and Milan (Teatro Franco Parenti), the European Commission/EESC in Brussels, the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) at Maison de la Paix, the Active Citizenship Award Ceremony Berlin, the 5th European History Forum at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Berlin, the Rathaus Hamburg, and the Rathaus Bremen.

Prominent Cultural Stages: Performances at the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum and Schnütgen Museum in Cologne, Theater Bremen, Palladium Concert Hall Malmö, Kulturhuset Oceanen Gothenburg, and Schauspielhaus Wuppertal. DSQ's extensive touring footprint further spans German cultural landscapes including Hamburg, Hanover, Essen, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Koblenz, Osnabrück, Göttingen, Oldenburg, Kassel, Rosbach, Bielefeld, Bamberg, Meerbusch, Wardenburg, Zweibrücken, Burg Lichtenfels, and Dorsten.

Through both grand symphonic masterworks and intimate chamber recitals, the Syrian Expat Philharmonic Orchestra and the Damascus String Quintet continue to demonstrate that music remains an unbreakable bond of cultural survival, a living archive of heritage, and an enduring force for global peace and beauty.