Nabil Shehata

double-bass

Born in Kuwait to German-Egyptian parents, Nabil grew up in Germany, studying first piano, then double-bass. Recipient of several scholarships, he went on to win numerous international competitions, including Concurso Julio Cardona (Portugal), Valentino Bucchi (Rome), International ARD together with the Audience Prize (Munich 2003), and the 2006 Praetorius Music Prize (Germany). In 2003 he joined the Berlin State Opera Orchestra as Principal Double-Bass, and in 2004 moved to the Berlin Philharmonic, also as Principal. He has appeared as soloist with major European orchestras, and is a frequent guest at festivals. He is a member of the West-Eastern Divan orchestra, and gives master classes in Europe, Israel and Japan. A dedicated chamber musician, he is a founding member of the Philharmonic String Quintet. In 2007 he made his debut as a conductor in Cottbus, and has been invited to guest conduct a number of orchestras.