Talal Fayad

Talal Fayad (2000) is a Syrian-born Oud player. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in music, exploring several instruments including the cello and piano before finding his voice in the Oud. In 2015, he moved to the Netherlands, where he completed high school and later began his studies in Ottoman music at Codarts University for the Arts in 2020. A versatile and curious musician, Talal draws inspiration not only from Middle Eastern music but also from jazz, classical, and world music traditions. His ability to bridge genres has helped him establish a unique voice in the world music fusion scene. In recent years, Talal has performed with numerous bands and appeared at renowned festivals and venues such as Fira Mediterrània, Grachten Festival, Internationaal Kamermuziek Festival, TivoliVredenburg, Amare, and De Doelen. In 2024, he recorded four albums with different ensembles, all set for release soon. Talal graduated with summa cum laude, a full grade for his final exam from Codarts in 2024 and is currently pursuing his masters in composition at HKU University of the Arts Utrecht. In addition to his performing career, Talal is also dedicated to music education. He specializes in modal improvisation, Maqam music theory, and Oud performance, and has led workshops and masterclasses at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, ESMUC in Barcelona, and La Marfà.