The Formation and Journey of Beirut Cello Ensemble
In late 2016, Lebanese cellist Roger A-Smith founded the Beirut Cello Ensemble, marking the establishment of the first official cello ensemble in Lebanon. This unique ensemble was created with two main goals: to familiarize the Lebanese audience with the deep, soulful sound of the cello—an instrument often compared to the human voice—and to showcase its wide range of expressive capabilities. Unlike the typical perception of the cello as primarily an accompaniment instrument, Beirut Cello Ensemble emphasizes the versatility of the instrument through a dynamic and diverse repertoire.
The ensemble performs an eclectic mix of music, ranging from the timeless classical works of Bach, Dvorak, Beethoven, and Schumann to the more modern sounds of rock, pop, and jazz, covering artists like Metallica, The Beatles, Bob Thiele, and film scores such as Ramin Djawadi's Game of Thrones soundtrack. Each performance features unique arrangements, demonstrating the cello’s adaptability across genres.
Comprised of both professional and amateur cellists residing in Lebanon, the group’s lineup includes Mounir Mahmalat (Germany), Christina Klassen (Canada), Christian Haddad (Lebanon), Angele Keserwany (Lebanon), Nayri Ghazarian (Armenia), and founder Roger A-Smith (Lebanon). The ensemble not only serves as a performance group but also aims to become a cultural hub for cellists in Lebanon, encouraging musical exchange, education, and the promotion of cello awareness in the country. Roger A-Smith has also laid plans for a children's cello ensemble in the near future, further extending the reach and impact of the group.
The Beirut Cello Ensemble's first concert will place on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the Kulturzentrum - Le Centre Culturel Allemand in Jounieh, as part of their Spring Music Month program (Featured on Lebtivity). They will also perform at the Armenian Lycee in Beirut part of their Musical program of the year, also at the Gemmayzeh Music Street Festival in collaboration with Centre Culturel Français and the Association de Développement de Gemmayzé. Additionally, the ensemble will return to the Kulturzentrum in December for their Christmas Concert part of the Winter Music Program, joined by guest artists Rania Al Kattar and Angy Saad on percussion, Mustapha Sahili as a replacement cellist, and Jack Esptephan on double bass.
With an evolving vision, the Beirut Cello Ensemble continues to challenge traditional perceptions of the cello, establishing itself as a pioneering force in the Lebanese music scene, creating captivating performances for audiences across the country.
To experience the performances of the Beirut Cello Ensemble, check out our video demos below, showcasing the ensemble's musical arrangements and diverse repertoire:
