Said Murad

Said Murad is the founder of the iconic Palestinian band Sabreen  and later developed Sabreen Association for Artistic Development that produces and records music, while  playing a vital role in the development of music educational programs for Palestinian children.He is also the pre-eminent composer and performer of contemporary Palestinian music, 

Born in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem in 1958, he is a life-long Jerusalemite whose music reaches locally and internationally. Murad is also one of the leading performers on oud, piano, kawal (oriental flute), and percussion.

 During a time when Palestinian music was influenced by five styles: classic & pop Arab music, traditional folk music, popular songs about the national struggle, and religious music. Murad strived to combine these through modern compositions and arrangements. He revolutionized Palestinian music in terms of arrangement, composition, and renewing musical forms. By founding Sabreen band in 1980, he quickly brought about change musically throughout the Arab world. Murad composed all of Sabreen’s music, which influences Palestinian musicians to this day. 

Said Murad  also composes music for theatre productions, working with the most notable Palestinian theaters including Al Hakawati and Al Qasaba, creating scores for the theatre productions of “The Night & The Mountain,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and  “Al Zeer Salem.” Murad has also composed music for notable Palestinian dance groups including Roots Beirzeit, Sareyyet Ramallah, and more. In addition to working with dance and theater troupes in Palestine, Murad  works with dance troupes in Nazareth,  and elsewhere. He has also collaborated with the Iraqi-American sculptor Michael Rakowitz on a multimedia presentation of Beatles’ songs performed  as a site-specific performance in the Old City of Jerusalem. Said Murad remains an inspiration for many musicians and artists today who seek new artistic ways of expression.