King kommt noch 2018
A Milestone Collaboration: Saleh and Ulrich Kreppein’s “King kommt noch”
In 2018, Saleh collaborated with renowned German composer Ulrich Kreppein on the "King kommt noch" project, which premiered at the Kölner Philharmonie as part of the "Singen mit Klasse!" initiative. This unique production, based on Andrea Karimé's book, combined theatrical performance with choral and orchestral music, featuring children from Cologne schools and the Gürzenich Orchestra Köln.
This project marked a key milestone in Saleh's career as a composer and musician. Having studied under Kreppein at the Franz Liszt Hochschule für Musik in Weimar, this collaboration allowed him to apply his academic knowledge practically. Saleh composed three original pieces for the project, integrating traditional Middle Eastern music with Western orchestral and electronic elements. This experience deepened his understanding of compositional techniques and showcased the innovative potential of blending diverse musical traditions.
The Factory 2018
Saleh Katbeh’s Debut in Theater Music: Blending Electronic and Oud Sounds at Volksbühne
"The Factory" is a theater piece by Syrian playwright Mohammad Al Attar, which premiered at Berlin's Volksbühne. The play explores the controversial involvement of the French multinational company Lafarge in Syria during the civil war. It focuses on the establishment of Lafarge's cement factory in northern Syria in 2010, which soon became entangled in the complexities and horrors of the Syrian conflict.
Saleh Katbeh made his debut in theater music at the Volksbühne in Berlin, combining electronic music with the traditional sounds of the oud. This was his first experience blending these genres, creating a unique soundscape that enhanced the emotional depth of the performance. His innovative approach brought a new dimension to the production, showcasing his talent for merging contemporary and traditional musical styles.
On the other side 2019
Saleh Katbeh’s Evocative Score Blends Nostalgic Oud Melodies with Dark Atmospheres in “On the Other Side”
On the Other Side is a poignant film set in a refugee camp on the European coast, capturing the tense, uncertain hours of two young men stranded in the darkness of night. With only a box of matches as their light source, the men strike each match in the hope of being found, revealing the desperation and fear that accompany their wait. The film raises questions about abandonment and the anxiety of an unknown future, portraying the profound emotional landscape of displacement.
Saleh Katbeh played a vital role in shaping the film's emotional tone through his work as the composer. By combining the nostalgic and evocative sound of the oud with a darker, more mysterious musical atmosphere, Saleh’s score reflects the complex emotions of the two characters. The oud’s melodies add a sense of longing and loss, while the darker tones enhance the suspense and fear of their uncertain situation. His music not only complements the visual narrative but also deepens the audience's connection to the characters’ experiences, making the film's themes resonate more profoundly.
Y-Saidnaya 2020
Saleh’s Musical Contribution and the International Premiere at Bellini Theater
This theater piece is inspired by the stories of Syrian activists and former prisoners. Directed by French-Syrian director Ramzi Choukair, the production features both the actual protagonists and professional actors to explore the mechanisms of a repressive regime that divides Syrians and uses terror as a tool of control.
Saleh, who previously collaborated with Choukair on "The Factory," played a crucial role in composing the music for this production. During the French rehearsals, Saleh worked intensively with Choukair and the cast, refining his compositions to align with the performance's dramatic elements and thematic goals.
The production premiered at the Bellini Theater in Napoli, a renowned venue that provided a significant platform for showcasing the powerful and urgent messages of the piece. The premiere highlighted the integration of Saleh’s music with Choukair’s vision, presenting a compelling exploration of repression and resistance to an international audience.
HOMEWORK 2021
Saleh Katbeh’s Innovative Soundscapes in “HomeWork” at English Theatre Berlin
Homework is a provocative play that examines the struggle between activism and corruption in a world where truth is often obscured and values are fluid. The narrative follows an activist stranded in an unfamiliar city who meets a corrupt man. Their relationship exposes the interplay between deception and honesty, illustrating how fear, ambition, and lies influence their understanding of truth.
Saleh Katbeh played a crucial role as a musician, crafting a unique soundscape for the production. He skillfully combined the harsh, jarring effects of war and gunfire with the smooth, lyrical tones of piano and strings. This blend was designed to enhance the emotional depth and dramatic tension of the play, reflecting the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters.
The premiere of HomeWork took place at the English Theatre Berlin | International Performing Arts Center.
The Checkpoint 2021
Saleh Katbeh’s Sound Design in “The Checkpoint (الحاجز)” Enhances Immersive Exploration of Power and Oppression
The Checkpoint (الحاجز) is an immersive performance that explores the dynamics of power and oppression through interactive experiments. The production delves into the experiences of individuals facing powerful regimes and institutions, questioning how well readers or viewers can truly empathize with the oppressed or oppressors. The performance aims to create a rich, authentic representation of these experiences, using real events as the foundation for its experiments.
Saleh Katbeh played a pivotal role in designing the sound atmosphere for this performance. His work involved crafting a unique auditory environment that connected each experimental scenario with the real-world sounds associated with the performance's themes. By integrating sound elements that reflect the authenticity of experiences such as checkpoints, isolation, and torture, Saleh’s sound design deepened the audience’s immersion and understanding of the performance. His contributions helped to create a more profound and tangible connection between the audience and the thematic content of the performance.
Palmyra, the Torturers 2022
Saleh's Musical Contribution to “Palmyra, the Torturers” at the Campania Teatro Festival
This theater piece is the third installment of a trilogy that delves into the harrowing experiences of former detainees from Syrian prisons. Set in a minimalist stage design, the performance centers around Jamal, the narrator, who serves drinks and facilitates discussions among three former prisoners—Fadwa, Riad, and Samar. Their personal stories are interwoven with broader themes of impunity and justice, examining the harsh realities of Syrian imprisonment and the legacy of historical figures like Alois Brunner. The narrative unfolds through a blend of poignant and sometimes light-hearted recollections, highlighting the quest for justice amid past atrocities.
Saleh played a significant role as a musician, focusing on the oud to create a distinctive acoustic soundscape. His compositions highlighted the oud’s expressive capabilities, enhancing the emotional depth of the play. Throughout the French rehearsals, Saleh collaborated closely with director Ramzi Choukair and the cast, integrating his music seamlessly with the performance.
The premiere of this compelling production, titled “Palmyre, Les Bourreaux” (“Palmyra, the Torturers”), took place at the 2022 Campania Teatro Festival in Napoli, Italy.
