Amira El Sharq

Amira El-Sharq Ensemble (Princesses of the East)

 The Amira El-Sharq Ensemble emerged from Maren Lueg’s extensive work with Syrian musicians in Germany. The idea for this unique project was to highlight female musicians from the musical traditions of the Middle East and Near East. With the support of Riema Abdunnur, who brings her bicultural background of Syrian and German heritage as well as expertise in emotional coaching, the ensemble was founded in Bochum in 2023.

Led by Riema Abdunnur from Aleppo, Syria (vocals) and Maren Lueg, originally from Hagen, Germany (Arabic nay flute and saxophone), the Amira El-Sharq Ensemble showcases a blend of Arabic and Indian music. The lineup features Prashanti Sankaran (vocals) from South India, Rimonda Naanaa, a master of the qanun (oriental zither) from Damascus, Syria, Nour Bitar (violin) from Syria, Arin Ghazarian (Armenian vocals) from Syria, and many other outstanding musicians. Since its formation, the ensemble has performed several concerts across North Rhine-Westphalia.

 Ensemble Members:

• Riema Abdunnur: Vocals and Ensemble Director
• Maren Lueg: Arabic Nay Flute, Flute, and Saxophone, Project Director
• Prashanti Sankaran: Vocals
• Arin Ghazarian: Vocals
• Genha Bakr: Vocals
• Rimonda Naanaa: Qanun
• Nour Bitar: Violin
• Muhamad Kousairy: Oud
• Jean Achji: Violin
• Bashar Sharifah: Cello
• Usaid Al Drobi: Percussion

The project is funded by the Diversity Fund, Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Through its implementation and the associated public performances and online presence, the project aims to promote the musical perspectives of its participants, who have been underrepresented in the cultural scene of North Rhine-Westphalia.