Ghada Shbeir is a Lebanese singer and performer who specialises in traditional Middle Eastern folk songs, Arabo-Andalusian repertoire, Syriac chants and Ancient Maronite chants. She is known for moving between folk and religious forms, and for singing without instrumental accompaniment as well as in more arranged settings.

Education and teaching

After finishing high school, Shbeir studies at the Universite St. Esprit de Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon, where she pursues music. She earns an advanced degree with high distinction in traditional Arabic music performance and later completes a master’s degree in musicology at the same university.

She goes on to teach traditional Arabic singing techniques at USEK, Almuwashshah singing techniques at the Lebanese University, and sacred Syriac chants at the National Conservatory of Lebanon.

Career

Shbeir’s wider recognition comes through her work as a soloist with the USEK choir, which brings her professional ability to wider attention. She also gives conferences in Lebanon and internationally, including in Paris, London, Canada, Estonia, Slovakia, Greece, Egypt, Oman, Abu Dhabi and Spain.

She works with Enchordais for five years, performing in concerts and festivals and recording a CD of traditional Arabic music with the group. She also works with Zaman Production in France, where she helps organise concerts in Europe.

Recordings

Her recordings include Chants Maronites de la Nativite, made with Naji Hakim on organ and the Choir of the Church of Notre Dame du Liban in Paris, and Kiddissa Min Ardina.