About Basel Saleh
Basel Saleh is a conductor, composer, singer, and oud player renowned for his innovative fusion of Arabic and Western classical music. With a career spanning over two decades, Basel has graced stages worldwide, leading orchestras and collaborating with esteemed artists.
A Musical Journey
Basel's passion for music led him to earn a Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Damascus, building upon his foundation in Qanoun and Classical Singing at the High Institute of Music. His extensive experience includes conducting orchestras and choirs in both Syria and the UK, notably as the conductor of London Arab Orchestra and Orchestra of Syrian Musicians, in addition to being the former conductor of the Academy of Art and The Arabic Heritage Choir in Britain until May 2023 and Orchestra and Choir Artists Association in Syria until 2016
Creative Visionary
As a composer, Basel's works have been celebrated for their unique blend of cultural influences. His pieces, including "Salabtany" and "From The Barada to The Thames," have been performed by prestigious ensembles like the BBC Singers Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Truro Sinfonia.
Global Collaborations
Basel's collaborative spirit has brought him together with acclaimed artists like Damon Albarn of Gorillaz, Paul Weller, Martin Glover 'Youth', Tom Morris, Martin Green, Susheela Raman, and Sam Mills. His leadership of the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians has taken them to iconic festivals such as Glastonbury, WOMAD, London's Royal Festival Hall, Cemil Topuzlu Istanbul Turkey, Festival Roskilde Copenhagen Denmark, Walthamstow Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival, the Netherlands Amsterdam Festival and Brighton Dome Festival.
Connecting Cultures
Basel's dedication to bridging musical traditions is evident in his cross-cultural collaborations. He has Led a concert combining the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with the global artist Damon Albarn in 2018.
He collaborated with artists like Susheela Raman and Sam Mills, participating in projects such as "New and Ancient Music of the Christian East" at Barbican Hall in 2017.
Participated in a workshop with the international director Tom Morris with Martin Green and David Greig at National Theatre Studio in July 2023. Coached the choir and sang solo in the John Opera composed by Abed Azrie at Syria Opera House, Morocco in the Sacred Music of Fez Festival, and France Opera houses of Marseille and Nice in 2009.
Led the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians at Europe on Stage at Bozar, Brussels, with Artist Baloji in 2017.
