Setrak Sarkissian
There are many master players of the Tabla, the Arabic goblet-shaped drum, but any discussion of the best of these drummers will surely mention Setrak Sarkissian. For decades he has been widely regarded as one of the finest percussionists in the Middle East, winning numerous awards there and in Europe for his prodigious, unique technique, his brilliant musicianship, and his important contributions to both traditional and modern Arabic music. His compositions and arrangements have been featured on over 30 recordings, movie soundtracks, including five with Farid El Atrash, and his drumming continues to be in demand worldwide from Oriental musicians and dancers.
Setrak has performed with a veritable who's who of the finest singers in the Middle East, including Samira Toufik, Fairuz, Mouhamed Abdel Wahab, Farid El Atrash, Sabah Fakhri, Abdel Halim Hafez, Fayza Ahmed, Warda, Sabah, Majida Roumi and others. The list of great dancers he has performed with is equally impressive, such as Nadia Gamal, Tahiya Carioka, Samia Gamal, Fifi Abdou, Nagwa Fouad, Souher Zaki, Samara, Amani, Ranine, Noura, Shahraman, etc.
Beirut, Lebanon, is Setrak's birthplace, and he still teaches there, living in the traditionally Armenian neighborhood of Bourdj Hammoud. He gives workshops around the world, along with international performances, and enjoys it as well!
His passion for music began early; inspired by his older brother's tabla playing at home and at family parties, and by 18 was learning to play himself. His family wasn't always supportive, since at that time music, as a profession did not have a high social status, even breaking his drum one time; not to be deterred, he continued to play and enrolled at the conservatory for further training. His skill was immediately recognized, and Setrak excelled rapidly. Setrak began touring with the legendary dancer Nadia Gamal in 1958, performing with her until 1962, when he began playing with Samira Toufik. He continues to perform, record and teach, and even if he never played again, has earned a place among the greats of Middle Eastern music- but luckily for us, Setrak isn't content to stop anytime soon.
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