The Dhaka Symphony Orchestra is a Bangladeshi orchestra based in Dhaka, founded by violinist, composer and conductor Shariful Islam. It brings together Western classical instruments and the musical languages of Bengal — spiritual song, folk melody, new composition and experimental sound — to build a lasting orchestral culture in Bangladesh.
About the orchestra
Bangladesh has a deep musical heritage but very few independent orchestras. The Dhaka Symphony Orchestra was founded to change that: to give Bangladeshi string, wind and percussion players a place to play together regularly, to commission and perform new music by Bangladeshi composers, and to show that a symphony orchestra can sound unmistakably of Bengal.
The orchestra’s motto is “Where tradition inspires innovation.” Its programmes place classical repertoire alongside arrangements of Baul and Sufi songs, folk melodies, and new works written for the ensemble.
Founder and music director
Shariful Islam is a Bangladeshi violinist, composer and orchestra conductor with more than thirteen years of orchestral experience, including work with the Bangladesh Army Orchestra and the Bangladesh Navy Symphony Orchestra. Read his full biography.
What the orchestra does
- Concerts in Dhaka and across Bangladesh
- Events and ceremonies — string ensembles and chamber groups for corporate, cultural and private events
- Commissions and recordings — new orchestral music, film and theatre scores, arrangements
- Training — rehearsal-based development for young Bangladeshi orchestral musicians
Watch
Performance videos are on the orchestra’s Facebook page and on Shariful Islam’s Shows page.
Book the Dhaka Symphony Orchestra
For concerts, events, commissions or collaborations, get in touch. Tell us the date, venue and size of ensemble you have in mind.
Want to know more about orchestral music in the country? Read our guide to orchestras in Bangladesh.