The Georges Lammam Ensemble  featuring Accordionist Elias Lammam

The Georges Lammam Ensemble

At the heart of the Georges Lammam Ensemble are three brothers of Palestinian descent,  born into a family surrounded by art and music.  Their father, Sobhi Lammam, film producer in Egypt and Kuwait, and his mother, Helene Amorfia, a singer who recorded in the chorus for many of the well-known singers in Arabic music, entertained many of the well-known artists of the time creating impromptu salons in their home on a regular basis.

The Georges Lammam Ensemble is devoted to bringing the rich diversity and passion of Arabic music to listeners everywhere.   Well  known in the Bay Area and with a strong reputation and following in the United States, this ensemble is noted for its awe-inspiring presentation of classical Arab musical repertoire, astounding improvisational skills, dynamic percussion display and delightful stage presence.  In addition to a busy concert schedule, Georges, Antoine and Elias share their gifts by presenting music workshops, in classroom and private instruction and through benefit performances promoting peace and humanitarian work throughout the Arab Middle East.

Accordionist, Elias Lammam began studying accordion at age 11 with a private teacher Alexi, who played with Feyrouz’s orchestra.  After performing with his brothers, Georges and Tony,  at local functions and for the church, the three played together in Dubai at a private party launching their professional career accompanying singers and dancers.  In Beirut, Elias composed musical introductions for dancers and singers as well as commercial music for Coca Cola, Gillette, and Lipton Tea Company and TV dramas.  For 10 years he was bandleader in Escoba Nightclub in Dubai. He appeared as featured soloist with Rageb Alame, George Wasouf, Ghassan Saliba, Joseph Noumnoum,  and with dancers, Amani and Samara. In 1994, he returned to Lebanon, to manage a nightclub in Beirut until coming to the United States in 1999 to join his brothers and father in San Francisco.  In 2003, he toured with famed Iraqi singer, Kasem el Sahar.  As a core member of The Georges Lammam Ensemble he introduces American listeners to the remarkable Oriental-style accordion.  Formerly director of ASWAT, an amateur choir for classical Arabic singing, he directs the Student Middle Eastern Instrumental Ensemble at the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino, California.   His most recent recording, Selsebil, featuring Egyptian nay virtuoso, Bashir Abdel Al, showcases original compositions by Mr. Lammam and stunning Oriental accordion improvisation.