Who Am I
Ramzi Aburedwan is a Palestinian violist, bouzouq player, composer, and artistic director whose music transcends borders and cultures, reflecting his personal journey of resilience and creativity. Born in the Al Amari refugee camp in Ramallah, Palestine, Ramzi's early life was marked by the hardships of poverty and the violence of the Israeli occupation, particularly during the first intifada. Despite limited access to formal education, a pivotal encounter in 1997 led to his enrollment at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, setting him on a path to becoming a prominent figure in both the music world and cultural development in Palestine. Ramzi’s musical career bridges Palestinian folk traditions, tarab, Western classical music, Sufi spirituality, and global improvisational practices. His compositions are deeply influenced by the struggles and joys of his life in Palestine and his travels abroad. He is the founder and leader of several internationally acclaimed ensembles, including Dal’Ouna, Al Manara, and the Palestine National Ensemble for Arabic Music (PNEAM). His work with these ensembles blends Middle Eastern and European musical styles, exploring everything from folklore to contemporary compositions and reviving classical Arab music in Palestine. In addition to his musical career, Ramzi is the founder of Al-Kamandjâti, a nonprofit organization that supports music education in Palestine and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The organization runs music programs, festivals, and locally-based ensembles, and has earned multiple international awards, including the Prince Claus Award for Culture and Development. Ramzi's efforts have been widely recognized, earning him prestigious accolades such as the Gandhi Foundation International Peace Award and the Palestinian Cultural Personality of the Year. His life story, intertwined with his mission to use music for peace and cultural preservation, has been the subject of documentaries and the book Children of the Stone by Sandy Tolan. Ramzi’s work continues to inspire, demonstrating the power of music as a tool for cultural expression and social change.