The Ziryab Trio

„...I would recommend to anyone wondering about the essence of Mizrahi music in Israel to listen to the Ziryab Trio, founded by Taiseer Elias… one of the best oud players, who performs alongside Nassim Daquar on violin and Zohar Fresco on percussion instruments… Elias has mastered the art of improvisation on the oud to perfection, while Daqwar plays the violin in a classical manner. Zohar Fresco, playing the riqq with a virtuosic technique reminiscent of Indian tabla, acts as the glue… Without a doubt, this is an ensemble that should be known worldwide”.
– Yossi Harsonski, M’aariv

Ziryab Trio was formed to give a deeper expression to Oriental music and its various genres. The members of Ziryab, who also belong to the acclaimed ensemble Bustan Abraham, believe that by upholding the rich Oriental tradition, they create a foundation for new and original music. The ensemble, in its instrumental lineup, constitutes the core of any classical Middle Eastern music ensemble (Takht), which usually includes five instruments: oud (belonging to the lute family), violin, riqq (a type of tambourine), qanoun (zither), and ney (a type of flute). 

Ziryab Trio focuses on performing Arabic and Turkish music from the 19th and 20th centuries. The musicians’ ornamentation and improvisational virtuosity are very prominent in their interpretations, capturing the content and spirit of the music. Adaptations in dynamics, articulation, and arrangement, along with original interpretations, give the trio’s music a deeper dimension of emotional expression. The trio has toured worldwide and has been appreciated by both audiences and critics. 

The Musicians: 

Professor Taiseer Elias: A world-renowned virtuoso of the oud and oriental violin. His long career includes performances on the most important stages in Israel and abroad, establishing him as a leading soloist in Arabic art music. He is recognized as the most important artist in the interpretation and improvisation of classical Arabic music, uniquely uniting it with musical traditions from around the world, including Western traditions. He founded and headed the Department of Oriental Music at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and currently serves as a professor at the University of Haifa. He also promotes music as a means of fostering spiritual development and counteracting extremism. 

Zohar Izhak Fresco: Known as a pioneer of the tof miriam, an ancient frame drum from the Middle East. Born into a family with Turkish roots, he was strongly influenced by the music of his ancestors. Fresco developed a new fingering technique and a unique musical language called MANEGINA, becoming a mentor to musicians worldwide. He is a master of percussion instruments and a highly sought-after workshop conductor. 

Nassim Dakwar: Recognized as one of the leading artists in his field, he performs both in Israel and abroad. As a soloist and composer, he has participated in numerous recordings for the Bustan Abraham ensemble and the well-known singer Amal Murkos. He teaches violin and oud and conducts the ensemble of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.