Layth Sidiq
Layth Sidiq is a Grammy-nominated violinist, composer, and educator currently serving as the artistic director of the New York Arabic Orchestra and Artist in Residence at NYU Abu Dhabi. He has toured the world, sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Simon Shaheen, Danilo Perez, and Jack DeJohnette and performing at prestigious venues like the London Jazz Festival, Boston Symphony Hall, WOMEX Expo, and Montreal Jazz Festival. Layth's first record, Son of Tigris, premiered at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2016 and has been featured on multiple award-winning albums.
In 2018, Layth made history as the first Arab to participate in the Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition, where he won 2nd place. He was also honored with the 'Best International Artist' award at the 2020 Boston Music Awards. In addition to his performance career, Layth directs the Center for Arabic Culture's Youth Orchestra Program in Boston and has been a faculty member at Carnegie Hall’s ‘Music Educators Workshop’.
Driven by his belief that music education is one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change in communities, Layth has collaborated with several NGOs and foundations in the Middle East, including the Kayany Foundation and Action for Hope, providing workshops for aspiring young musicians in Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. His work also extends to working with international orchestras and institutions worldwide, where he continues to represent Arabic music education and performance on a global scale.
Most recently, Layth served as the lead vocalist and violinist for the new Assassin’s Creed game, Mirage.
Rami Lakkis
With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Rami Lakkis is a session bass player and artist based in London and Dubai. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a diverse range of renowned artists, including Jorja Smith, Alex Machacek, Linley Hamilton, Gene Lake, Marc Guillermont, Jon Onabowu’s Cosmic Fusion group, Matthew Garrison, David Mrakpor and more. In 2012, he released his debut album, Origin, with a launch performance at ShapeShifter Lab in New York City. As a seasoned performer, Rami Lakkis has performed at venues across London, New York, and Dubai, including Ronnie Scott’s, ShapeShifter Lab, 606 Club, Jazz Cafe, Koko’s and more. His session recording work has taken place in studios, including Abbey Road Studios, Mark Ronson’s Tilyard Studio, Octagon Studios, and Rubix Studios, where he has contributed to both original compositions and commercial music productions.
Samvel Gasparyan
Samvel Gasparyan is an Armenian jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative approach to jazz, blending elements of traditional Armenian music with contemporary jazz harmonies and rhythms. His music often features intricate improvisation and a deep emotional resonance, reflecting both his classical training and his jazz influences. He is a Universal Music Artist (MENA) and a professional member of the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs and educator at Berklee College of Music in Abu Dhabi. His recent studio album One for Chick was released in 2023. It is dedicated to late legend Chick Corea. He has recorded two solo albums as leader and appeared in dozens of albums as sideman, and collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Richard Galliano, Arto Tunçboyacıyan, Deborah Davis, Eddie Cole, Frédéric Yonnet, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, GRAMMY-winning composer Steve Sidwell. He has performed on the same stage as Chick Corea, Danilo Pérez, Cory Henry and Funk Apostles, Jacob Collier, and American jazz pianist Kiefer. He has opened for Maroon 5, Jamiroquai, and Diana Krallamong others. He has steadily built a reputation within the worldwide jazz community for his expressive playing and compositions, although his global recognition may still be on the rise compared to some of his contemporaries.
Aleksander Amoros
Alexander Amoros is a seasoned multi-percussionist renowned for his commanding performances in Latin percussion over the past 17 years. With a rhythmic finesse that transcends borders, he has captivated audiences in countries spanning from the Maldives to India, from Saudi Arabia to Cuba. Notably, he lent his talents to the main band of Expo 2020, The Exposonix, showcasing his mastery on a global platform. For over a year, Alexander has been a fixture at Dubai's premier jazz destination, Jazz Lounge, where his dynamic rhythms continue to mesmerize patrons. With a decade-long presence in the vibrant music scene of the UAE and Dubai, Alex remains a driving force,enchanting audiences with his unparalleled percussion prowess.
