SIRICO
ENNLAR
The duo

A conversation that keeps unfolding.

Sirico

Founded at ArtEZ Conservatorium in Zwolle in 2025, Sirico brings together Egyptian musicians Omar Shendy and Omar Abu El-Hana. Their arrangements give oud and piano independent, intertwining voices, shaped by their different musical backgrounds and a shared curiosity.

At the heart of Sirico is the emotional intensity of tarab. Familiar melodies open into unexpected harmonies, intimate exchanges and passages of striking virtuosity. Each performance invites listeners to experience the full expressive range of Arabic music.

The musicians
Omar ShendyPianist

Omar Shendy

Omar Shendy is an Egyptian classical pianist and piano teacher based in the Netherlands. After studying at the Cairo Conservatory, he continued his training with Frank van de Laar at ArtEZ Conservatorium in Zwolle, graduating in 2026 and beginning his master’s studies there. Alongside his classical repertoire, he explores Arabic music through piano transcriptions, improvisation and his work with Sirico. He performs across the Netherlands and teaches at Muziekschool Zwolle Zuid.

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Omar Abu El-HanaOud player & composer

Omar Abu El-Hana

Omar Abu El-Hana is an Egyptian oud player, composer and music educator based in the Netherlands. He studied at Beit Al-Oud Al-Arabi in Cairo under the supervision of Hazem Shaheen, and at the Higher Institute of Arabic Music. He also studied composition at the Cairo Conservatory and continues his development in classical composition at ArtEZ Conservatorium in Zwolle. His work connects the Arabic musical heritage with contemporary composition, with improvisation and the maqam tradition at its heart.

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