Wajdi Samir Abou Diab
Composer | Musicologist | Educator

Wajdi Samir Abou Diab is a Lebanese composer and musicologist whose work serves as a vibrant bridge between the Levantine and Western classical traditions. Born in Lebanon in 1991, Wajdi’s compositions are a dialogue between two worlds, blending the intricate maqams and folk traditions of the Middle East with the structural depth of Western classical music.

Artistic Vision & Composition

Wajdi’s voice has gained international acclaim for its ability to “translate” the soul of Arabic music for global stages. His award-winning work, “Folk Story,” earned first prize at the IWBC 2022 Emerging Composer Competition, while his solo Viola piece, “Al Moraba’ Dance”, claimed an Honorable Mention in the Gardner composition competition 2022 by the American Viola Society.
Whether writing for a chamber opera like The Dream or composing for solo viola, Wajdi focuses on the transformative power of melody to foster cross-cultural understanding.

Bridging the Gap: Arranger & Author

As a dedicated Arranger and Orchestrator, Wajdi is on a mission to make Arabic music accessible to non-Arabic musicians. He has authored invaluable pedagogical resources, including:

• Arabic Folk Tunes for Piano
• Longa and Sama’i with Piano accompaniment
• Wadeeh El Safi – The Songwriter

His arrangements pay tribute to legends such as Fairuz, Wadih El Safi, and the Rahbani Brothers, bringing the “rich tapestry” of the Orient to orchestras and conservatories worldwide.

Leadership & Social Impact

Wajdi believes music is a tool for social change. As an Artistic Director, he founded the Beirut Contemporary Ensemble, Chouifet Orchestra & Choir, and Orchestra Al Mokhaym, creating platforms for musicians to explore everything from traditional folk to contemporary film scores. His initiatives, such as Free Music Education for All and The Lebanese Living Composer’s Channel, reflect his unwavering commitment to making high-level music education a right, not a privilege.

Education & Professional Pedigree

A graduate of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (Piano and Composition) and Antonin University (MA in Musicology), Smart Vision International Academy and Harmony International Academy (Music Therapy), Wajdi’s craft has been honed under the mentorship of Elia Koussa and Joelle Khoury (Composition), Jad Riashi (Harmony), Jamal Boul-Hosn (Electronic music), Sevag Derghougassian and Janna Popkova (Piano), Irina-Elena Balanota (Bassoon), Nidaa Bou Mrad (Musicology), and Rihab Jubeily (Music Therapy).

Global Residencies & Academic Fellowships

Wajdi’s work is deeply informed by his participation in elite international academies and residencies across Europe and the Middle East:

• France: NAFAS-ACCR Residency at Cité Musicale De Metz and Cité Musicale De L’abbaye Aux Dames De Sainte (2022); EAMA (Paris, 2023); Plucomp (French Compte, 2023).
• Spain: VIPA – Valencia International Performance Academy (2023-2024).
• Finland: SÄVELLYSPAJA (Porvoo and Helsinki, 2024).
• Slovenia: .abeceda [new music academy] (Lubliana and Bled, 2026); precept.concept.percept XV., Lubliana and Bled, (2025)
• Russia: Re.Music Academy (Moscow, 2023).
• Italy: Puccini International Opera Course (Lucca, 2021).
• Lebanon: YES Academy (2019–2021).

Global Collaborations & Partnerships

Wajdi’s career is defined by a spirit of exchange, leveraging every project as an opportunity to learn and share. He has established long-term artistic partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious ensembles and soloists:

Orchestras & Ensembles

• Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra & Lebanese Oriental Orchestra (Lebanon)
• International Contemporary Ensemble (USA)
• Taipei Civic Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan)
• Austrasia Quartet (France)
• Mivos Quartet (USA)
• Avanti Chamber Orchestra (Finland)
• Vice Ensemble (Spain)
• Du Vert à l’infini String Quartet (France)
• Red Cedar Chamber Music Ensemble (USA)
• Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble (Moscow)
• Tunisia 88 Honors Choir (Tunisia)
• Chromatic Brass Ensemble (USA)
• White Snake Project & Music For Identity (USA)
• The San Jose Lullaby Project (USA)

International Organizations

• World Music Conference (UK): Serving as a global Music Ambassador for Lebanon.
• Forum für Kunst- und Kulturgeschichte Transnational.
• UNESCO & CCF: Through the NAFAS-ACCR residency programs.

Soloists & Featured Artists Wajdi has collaborated on bespoke projects with a diverse array of virtuosos, including:

• Strings: Noemie Chemali (Viola), Talla Rouge Duo (Viola Duo), Ann Vedi (Violin), Abbass Kassamany (Oud), Jana Semaan (Cello),
• Piano: Ramzi Hakim, Kaiyin Huang, Betty Salkhanian, Chantal Francis, Shu Wen Tay, Seba Ali, Zeina Alam, Cedric Burgelin (Orgen), David Bohn (Toy Piano).
• Wind & Brass: Vasilis Nalbantis (Trumpet), Louis Verchere (French Horn), Amr Selim (French Horn), Dustin White (Flute), Amr Hasan (Clarinet), Farid Rahme (Recorder), Sandra Guiro Longo (Flute).
• Interdisciplinary: Preeti Vasudevan (Choreographer/Performer).

Professional Affiliations He is an active member of the global new music community, including the ACAN Network, Millennium Composers Initiative (MCI), Boston New Music Initiative (BNMI), and the SMCPL.