BAND MEMBERS
BYRON TRIANDAFYLLIDIS
(Vocals, Guitar, Bouzouki, Violin, Darbuka)
Byron Triandafyllidis is an Australian born of Greek descent Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and lover of the arts and sciences. His main instruments are stringed such as guitar, bouzouki, violin and oud but also percussion such as the Darbuka. He has performed at numerous festivals and events around Australia and New Zealand as well as in Greece.
Byron has opened for performers such as Greek singing legend George Dalaras, world music composer/multi-instrumentalist Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and as a percussionist for Greek pop star Michalis Hatzigiannis. Also, as a session musician, he has played on various labels and movies. Some of his vocals/playing can be heard on the Buddha Bar label and the movie Death Defying Acts, starring actors Catherine Zeta Jones and Guy Pearce.
GEORGE EL-AZAR
(Darbuka, Riq, Cajon, Bendir, Daf, Hybrid Kit)
George El-Azar took an interest in percussion at an early age. Born and raised in Beirut Lebanon, he grew up immersed in traditional Middle Eastern music and culture. George's technique is influenced by authentic Arabic percussion fused with modernised Turkish technique to create his own unique sound. He travels frequently to further develop his musicianship learning from master teachers including Syrian born percussionist Faisal Zedan, Hakan Kaya and Izet Kizil from Turkey, and Rony Barrak from Lebanon. George travelled to Greece,Turkey, and Lebanon for training, inspiration, and continuous development of his passion for music. He has accompanied various Greek, Turkish, and Arabic artists and bands at several significant multicultural events such as the songs for Cyprus event held at the Sydney opera House. He also performed at the Victorian Premier's Gala dinner at the Crown Palladium and the Melbourne Recital Centre (twice). He performed at the opening ceremony of the Greek Orthodox Community Centre in Melbourne CBD. George has also performed at The Victorian Multicultural Commission Awards at the Governor General's house and also internationally in Singapore and Turkey. Governor General Linda Dessau tweeted a photo of the band and stated that it was the best music she'd ever heard at her house. George is a percussionist who accompanies various Melbourne based music groups and is also available for private lessons.
Cuneyt Cakmak
(Kanun)
Cuneyt Cakmak is a Kanun player born in Istanbul Turkey. Cuneyt started playing Kanun when he was 8 years old. He studied Turkish music at Bogazici Music School. After he completed his bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering, he came to Melbourne to continue his Engineering study and completed a masters degree in engineering. He has worked with many great musicians both in Turkey and Australia. Currently Cuneyt performs Kanun with various Melbourne based bands and Artists such as Zourouna, Bashka , Mozaiq, Mastika and many other notable bands. Cuneyt has been immersed in various genres such as Turkish classical music, Jazz, Rock, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, and modern Turkish music. This has enabled him to create his own authentic and unique style of playing.
Joseph Batrouney
(Percussion, Drumkit, Cajon)
Australian-born Lebanese drummer Joseph Batrouney’s music reflects his rich and diverse journey across Middle Eastern, jazz, and flamenco genres. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Jazz and Contemporary Music from Monash University, with additional studies at New York University. He has been taught by notaries such as Tony Moreno, Nate Smith, Israel ‘Piraña’ Suarez, Bandolero, and Simon Barker.
Joseph's performance history includes collaborations with the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, a feature performance with Zourouna for Multicultural Arts Victoria, performances at Cafe Berlin in Madrid, and international tours with Arte Kanela Flamenco. He has also performed with Riley Lee, a Shakuhachi Grand Master, and Diego Guerrero, a Latin Grammy-nominated artist.
His work draws heavily on early childhood listening experiences with Middle Eastern music, the theoretical foundation gained through formal study of the drumset, and the rawness of flamenco, as showcased in his recordings, freelance performances, and original EPs,'Salt' and 'At Hand.' Joseph's dedication to his craft conveys meaningful and impactful music to his audience.
YUVAL ASHKAR
(Vocals, Oud, Cumbus, Darbuka, Daf, Riq, Zarb)
Yuval Ashkar is a composer, oud ('ud) player, percussionist and internationally-acclaimed Middle Eastern musician. Yuval has evolved his unique style of oud playing through the synthesis of Turkish, Iraqi, Egyptian and North African musical influences and techniques. Yuval was born in Israel to an accomplished musical family. His father, from an Iraqi-Afghan background, a master trumpet player and teacher who performed with Israeli orchestras all over the world.
Yuval has worked with a large range of musicians both in Australia and Internationally. Some of these musicians and groups and events include, Cleis Pearce, Greg Sheehan, Greg Lyons, The Romaniacs, Dursun, Akdash, Andy Busuttil, Kurdish Earth, Metulla International Festival” with Ladino singer Yaheli Toren and famous jazz pianist Davis Coleman. Yuval was also invited to perform alongside singer Yasmin Levi in a special performance in Istanbul, Turkey. He has composed music for theatre and film, including a short film which won the "European Short Film Festival". He has performed several times at the Woodford Folk Festival with Guy Madigan and Ayelet Ashkar. Yuval recorded his first solo album, called "Maayan" - Traditional Middle Eastern tunes, songs in Hebrew from "The Song of Songs", and his own original compositions. He then recorded his second album, "Camoon", with Guy Madigan and Cleis Pearce consisting of traditional and contemporary music.
*All artists featured in Zourouna offer private and group lessons for either instruments and/or singing lessons. Contact us for more info!
BELLY DANCE ENTERTAINMENT
Ekaterini is one of of Melbourne's most sought-after belly dance artists and is the founding director of Bellydance Bohemia. She has joined forces with Zourouna to bring you high-quality performances that are authentic and enchanting. Enquire about hiring Ekaterini or a troupe of belly dancers for your event!
Various Notable Performances
Shepherd of Egypt annual fundraiser feat Ahmad Helmy (Melb/Syd) 2020
Songs for Cyprus -Sydney Opera House 2018
Melbourne Rebetiko Festival 2018
Shir Madness Music Festival 2017
30th Lonsdale Street Greek Music Festival 2017
Brunswick Music Festival - Rumi Dinner and Show/Music for the People 2016
Victorian Multicultural Festival 2016
Assiut and Tie featuring international belly dance superstar Rachel Brice (US) 2016
"I'll Dine With You" Launch - Interfaith Centre of Melbourne 2016
The Shir Madness Festival Melbourne 2015
Launch of Global Music Agency @ Northcote Social Club 2015
Neighbourhood Night at the Ian Potter Museum 2015
Live performance on PBS Global Village program 2015
Victorian Multicultural Commission Awards - Governor General's House 2015
Australian Asia Cup 2015