The idea of “giving space to music” weaves through Nabil Shehata’s life, both literally and figuratively.

As a nine-year-old, Shehata discovered the double bass, which, in his words, “opened the door to the most beautiful repertoire there is”-namely, classical music.

As he grew older, his desire to engage with this music as a conductor intensified.

Shehata followed this impulse, gave up his position as principal bass player of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and successfully embarked on a career as a conductor.

A critic recently wrote that he conducts with “authority full of ease,” an observation that precisely aligns with Shehata’s artistic vision.

Music is about resonating with one another-that is what brings it to life. I strive to achieve this with orchestras.

Shehata has developed a conducting style deeply rooted in chamber music, believing that this approach fosters the kind of music that delivers what audiences, orchestras, and conductors alike desire: unforgettable concert experiences.

The BBC Music Magazine recognized Shehata’s vision by awarding him the BBC Music Award for Best Orchestral Recording in December 2021.

From 2019 to 2024, he served as the chief conductor of Philharmonie Südwestfalen.

Before that, he was chief conductor of the Munich Chamber Opera and expanded his experience at the Berlin State Opera as an assistant to Daniel Barenboim.

In January 2025, Daniel Barenboim personally handed over the directorship of the Barenboim-Said Academy Orchestra to Nabil Shehata.

 

As a professor of double bass and chamber music in Munich and Berlin, as well as a member of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, he has dedicated many years to mentoring young musicians.ì

In his hometown of Verden, Shehata founded the ‘Maiklänge’ chamber music festival—a deeply personal project aimed at bringing high-quality concerts to the place where he grew up.