A man is playing the oud, the Arabic lute. He holds the instrument against his chest and plucks the strings. His eyes are closed. In the background, stage spotlights and the audience can be seen.
Wassim Mukdad © Anton Tal

Wassim Mukdad is a Berlin-based musician with Syrian roots. He plays the Oud (the Arabic fretless lute), composes and conducts various ensembles. He likes to mix elements of oriental and western music culture and specializes in various genres such as tarab, fusion and traditional music.

Wassim regularly takes part in theatre and opera performances, for example at the Neukölln Opera, Maxim Gorki Theater and the Komische Oper Berlin. With his ensembles Ajam Quartet, Kayan Project, Trio Laulu and Atlas Ensemble (among others) he plays throughout Germany and beyond.

Before moving to Germany, Wassim performed with a variety of ensembles in Syria and Turkey, focusing on opening the conversation between cultures and advocating for peace in the face of stereotyping, racism and wars.