Transorient Orchestra

The Transorient Orchestra brings the transcultural soundtrack of the Ruhr Metropolis to life.

In its current lineup, musicians with cultural roots in Germany, Turkey, Iran, Tunisia, and Iraq come together to perform. A dozen virtuoso soloists form a richly vibrant and multifaceted ensemble.

Santur, Oud, Nay, and Darbuka engage in creative dialogue with big band brass sections, guitar, bass, violin, drums, and percussion, further enriched by Arabic and Turkish vocals. The Transorient Orchestra blends the melodies and rhythms of the Orient with Western harmonies and jazzy improvisation, creating diverse and exciting musical connections.

East and West unite in a unique musical synthesis—intellectually captivating and emotionally moving.

Since 2003, under the direction of Andreas Heuser, the Transorient Orchestra has enriched the music scene in the Ruhr region and far beyond. The orchestra received the WDR Jazz Award in 2017 in the category of Musical Cultures.

The TRANSORIENT ORCHESTRA typically performs with 13 musicians but also appears in smaller ensembles under the name TRANSORIENT ENSEMBLE. The lineup includes:

• Andreas Heuser – Guitar, Violin

• Nikola Seegers – Soprano Saxophone, Vocals

• Rageed William – Nay, Duduk

• Yavuz Duman – Trumpet, Flugelhorn

• Catrin Groth – Baritone Saxophone

• Kazim Calisgan – Kopuz, Percussion, Vocals

• Sahbi Amara – Oud, Vocals

• Kioomars Musayyebi – Santur

• Antje Vetter – Violin

• Jens Pollheide – Bass, Kaval, Flute

• Fethi Ak – Darbuka, Bendir

• Benny Mokross – Drums, Percussion

• Volker Sipplie – Drums, Percussion 

For more information, visit: Transorient Orchestra