Ensemble Sherazade is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by a group of talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The ensemble is named after the famous collection of stories, "One Thousand and One Nights," which is also known as "The Arabian Nights." The name reflects the ensemble's mission to explore the rich and diverse musical traditions of the Middle East and North Africa. The founding members of Ensemble Sherazade were violinist Layale Chaker, cellist Karim Said, and pianist Riyad Nicolas. All three musicians had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians, and they were eager to collaborate on a new project that would allow them to explore their shared interest in Middle Eastern music. Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include other musicians, including percussionist Hakan Güngör and clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. However, the core trio of Chaker, Said, and Nicolas remains at the heart of the ensemble. Ensemble Sherazade has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Salzburg Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including jazz pianist Chick Corea and Syrian singer Omar Souleyman. One of the highlights of Ensemble Sherazade's career was their performance at the 2015 BBC Proms, where they performed a program of music by Middle Eastern composers. The concert was widely praised for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. In addition to their live performances, Ensemble Sherazade has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "The Aleph Project," was released in 2014 and featured music by composers from Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt. The album was praised for its "exquisite playing" and "sensitive interpretations." Ensemble Sherazade has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2016, the ensemble was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Music Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The award recognized the ensemble's "outstanding musicianship and imaginative programming." Overall, Ensemble Sherazade has established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles of our time. With their unique blend of Western classical music and Middle Eastern traditions, they have created a new and vibrant musical language that speaks to audiences around the world.

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