Barrak
Percussionist, Composer, Instructor
2016 Performer • 2017 Performer • 2018 Performer • 2019 Performer

Beirut, Lebanon

Internationally renowned Lebanese percussionist Rony Barrak first held his darbouka (Middle Eastern drum) at the tender age of 4. He performed on TV at age 7, and at age 17 he won the gold medal in a competition for young musicians on Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International television. This achievement encouraged him to unleash the darbouka from tradition and explore its full potential. In 1990 he moved to London, where he studied orchestral percussion and drum kit at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and later taught Middle Eastern percussion at Trinity College of Music.

Barrak has his own fusion style, playing and composing a blend of eastern and western flavors. Since 1999 he has produced four fusion albums and two music videos. In 2005 Barrak achieved another breakthrough success as a soloist with the Symphonic Game Music Concerts. He was subsequently featured in five video game music albums. He has also composed music for documentaries and television shows.

Since 2009 Barrakā€™s love of classical music has propelled him to compose three symphonic pieces as well as music for chamber orchestra. He has performed as a soloist with world-famous orchestras, including recently with the London Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared with such notable artists as Sarah Brightman, Al Di Meola, Arturo Sandoval, Richard Galliano, Vanessa-Mae, and Fairuz.

Barrak makes regular appearances on television and radio shows throughout the Middle East, including interviews and solo performances. Whatever the platform, he consistently demonstrates a strong rapport with worldwide audiences.