Biography – Sherif Dahroug

Biography

Sherif Dahroug is an internationally acclaimed composer and concert artist whose visionary work marks a major advancement in contemporary music. Originally trained as a naval architect, he earned a Master’s degree in Naval Architecture and Hydrodynamics with honors before fully dedicating himself to the pursuit of art and music. This remarkable journey reflects his relentless quest for excellence, swiftly establishing him as a prominent figure on the international music scene.

A recipient of numerous prestigious accolades and major awards, Sherif Dahroug has been honored with the Diamond Prize for Composition at the Classical Music Awards in London and the Grand Prize of the New York International Music Competition. Among his many distinctions are Platinum Absolute First Prizes at the World Master Open, as well as multiple Gold and Silver honors from esteemed competitions across Europe, Russia, and the United States.

In 2025, he was awarded the Absolute First Platinum Prize at the European Symphony Architect Awards for his opus and album Dichotomie. Further recognizing his artistic influence, the jury named him "Artist of the Month" at the European Classical Music Awards. These same awards later declared him the Annual Diamond Prize Winner and bestowed upon him the distinguished title of "Composer of the Year" at the 2024 Annual Grand Prix.

In 2025, Sherif Dahroug was invited to join the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs® as a Voting Member, honoring his artistic vision and global impact on contemporary music.

His album Regards sur l’Horizon, honored by the Global Music Awards, has already established itself as a landmark in contemporary musical creation. His academic journey, shaped by studies at the Schola Cantorum, the École Normale de Musique de Paris, and the Royal Academy of Music in London, placed him under the tutelage of eminent mentors—heirs to the legendary traditions of Sergiu Celibidache, Nadia Boulanger, and Olivier Messiaen.

Decorated with the highest honors and degrees, he embodies a refined musicianship where rigor and creative freedom intertwine. Beyond music, Sherif Dahroug is a philosopher and author whose literary work expands the boundaries of artistic creation.

His latest book, Dichotomie: Grand Hymne des Deux Terres, stands as a bold and singular masterpiece, fusing poetry, philosophy, and mysticism to offer a uniquely immersive experience. More than just an exploration of ancient Egyptian thought, this work revives it through an incantatory language, a labyrinthine structure, and a contemplative aesthetic, elevating duality as a foundational principle of both art and existence.

His earlier book, In Pursuit of a Sonic Architectonics, serves as a bold manifesto that transcends traditional boundaries of creation. Drawing from the rich symbolism and philosophy of ancient Egypt, it bridges transcendental contemplation with technical realization, transforming contradictions and dissonances into spaces of unprecedented beauty.

An insatiable explorer of the correspondences between sound, space, and transcendence, Sherif Dahroug pursues a vision where each creation becomes a timeless sonic architecture, a sanctuary open to infinity.

Sherif Dahroug portrait

A Constellation of Distinctions

Sherif Dahroug has established himself as one of the most distinguished artists of his generation, earning over 26 prestigious awards in both composition and performance. His exceptional artistry has been recognized across Europe, Russia, and the United States, where he has consistently received top honors for his visionary contributions to music.

In the field of composition, Dahroug has been awarded some of the highest distinctions, including the Diamond Prize and the title of Composer of the Year from the European Classical Music Awards, as well as the institution’s Annual Grand Prix. His work has also been honored with the Diamond Prize – World Exceptional Musicians from the World Organization of Music Competitions and the Diamond Prize from the World Classical Music Awards. Further accolades include the Visionary Innovation Special Award, the Platinum Prize at the Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, and the Platinum Absolute First Prize at the World Master Open Music Competition in London.

Among his other achievements, he has received the Grand Prix and the Distinguished Creativity Award from the World Grand Prix International Music Competition for Composition, as well as a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards in California.

Dahroug’s accomplishments in performance are equally remarkable, with numerous first and grand prizes from some of the world’s most prestigious competitions. He has won the Gold First Prize at the Virtuoso International Music Awards in London and the First Prize at the Medici International Music Competition. His accolades also include the Grand Prix at the New York Classical Music Competition, the First Prize at the London International Music Competition, and the First Prize at the IV Lugano International Music Competition in Switzerland.

Additional distinctions include the Diamond Grand Prix from the Royal VanBach International Music Competition in Amsterdam, the Platinum First Prize at the World Grand Prix I.M.C. – Professional in London, and the Special International Career Project Award from the IV Lugano International Music Competition.

Further recognition has come in the form of the Platinum Award – Strings from the European Classical Music Awards, the Platinum First Prize from the European Classical Music Artists Awards, and several Silver Prizes from the Vienna International Mozart Competition, the International Moscow Music Competition, the Euterpe Music Awards, and the New York International Music Competition.

Sherif Dahroug performing

Heritage and Excellence

In 2022, he was unanimously awarded the Diplôme de Concert from the Schola Cantorum in Paris, the highest artistic distinction of this prestigious institution—along with doctoral studies. In the arts, this recognition is regarded as an acknowledgment of excellence comparable to the highest academic achievements.

In 2017, he earned the Diplôme de Virtuosité, equivalent to a post‑Master of Arts (HEM), representing the pinnacle of advanced musical training.

In 2009, after completing advanced diplomas in performance and composition at the London Royal Academy of Music, he moved to Paris with a scholarship from the École Normale de Musique. Between 2009 and 2015, he refined his craft under the tutelage of Maestros François Martin and Tania Chagnot, earning the Brevet d’Exécution and the Diplôme d’Exécution.

In 2014, he achieved the Diplôme d’Harmonie et d’Analyse Musicale under the mentorship of Maestros Narcis Bonet and Jean‑Dominique Pasquet. In 2011, he completed a Diplôme d’Histoire under the supervision of Frank Torres.

These accolades attest to a synthesis of technical virtuosity, interpretative depth, and intellectual rigor.

Piano study

Alexandria – Paris

Originally from Alexandria, Egypt, Sherif Dahroug began his formal musical training at the Alexandria Conservatory of Music, where he also held a teaching position. Under the mentorship of the composer Ramz Sabry Samy, he deepened his studies in harmony and composition.

From 2006 to 2009, as an educator at both the Alexandria Conservatory and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, he founded an ensemble that infused the city’s classical music scene with renewed energy.

His dedication earned him a scholarship from the École Normale de Musique de Paris. In 2011, he represented Alexandria at the ECUME Festival in Genoa, Italy, performing at the historic Paganini Theatre.

Concert hall photo

Art as a Quest

Beyond performance and composition, Sherif Dahroug embraces a vision where music intertwines with philosophy, visual arts, architecture, and astronomy. By transcending traditional boundaries, he crafts a language that speaks to the soul as much as to the intellect.

His musical universe spans neo‑impressionism to innovative theatrical soundscapes. Recent works (2023–2024) such as Philae, Hiérakonpolis, Abydos, ATUM, and Eirene – Old Comedy! exemplify his versatility.

These compositions reveal a mastery of technique and artistic sensitivity that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, inviting contemplation of the interconnectedness between disciplines, humanity, and the cosmos.

Studio photo

Ancient Egypt as a Source of Awakening

Deeply inspired by ancient Egypt, Sherif Dahroug delves into its astronomy, philosophy, and hieroglyphic writing. Since 2016, his blog Meditations on Egyptian Wisdom has cultivated a community drawn to his perspective.

Drawing from the astronomy, history, and philosophy of this civilization, he infuses his musical creations with a timeless and universal dimension.

Manuscript and notes

A Pen in Search of Architectonics

In Search of a Sonic Architectonic is the fruit of eight years of research and reflection, inviting readers on an introspective journey where architecture, astronomy, philosophy, and music converge.

The work also features the monumental Regards sur l’Horizon – Opus Magistralis, composed of twenty movements and spanning over two hours.

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