Majd Sukar
Majd Sukar is a Syrian Canadian clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and educator whose artistry has left an indelible mark on Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Renowned for his groundbreaking fusion of Middle Eastern folk and classical traditions with jazz, Sukar’s distinctive sound continues to redefine cross-cultural music in transformative and innovative ways.
As a soloist and improviser, Sukar has brought his unique voice to Canada’s diverse music landscape, collaborating with acclaimed Canadian musicians such as Robi Botos, Drew Jurecka, and Rich Brown. His dedication and talent have made him a sought-after performer, leading to prominent collaborations with celebrated Toronto-based bands including Sultans of String, Romani Jazz, Moskitto Bar, and Moneka Arabic Jazz.
Since 2016, Sukar has been one of Canada’s most in-demand soloists, particularly within the Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music scenes. He has played a pivotal role in advancing cultural appreciation by performing with leading organizations such as the Aga Khan Museum, the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, and Labyrinth Musical Workshop Ontario. His extensive touring across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East showcases his ability to seamlessly weave the rich heritage of his roots into the fabric of global music.
Over the years, Sukar has shared the stage with Middle Eastern icons such as Naseer Shamma and Aref Arefkia, as well as internationally celebrated artists like Jorge Pardo, Antonio Serrano, Tigran Hamasyan, and Adam Rudolph.
Academically, Sukar holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Certificate in Jazz Music from Humber College (2018). In addition to his academic achievements, he is a dedicated educator, offering masterclasses and workshops at institutions such as the University of Toronto and York University. His sessions focus on Middle Eastern music theory and the innovative use of microtonal techniques on the clarinet, showcasing his expertise and passion for cross-cultural education.
Following his graduation from Humber College, Sukar founded Sham Blues, a fusion band that reimagines Middle Eastern music through jazz harmonies and contemporary rhythms. The band made a bold statement in the fusion music scene, culminating in a landmark performance of Sukar’s original compositions at Koerner Hall in 2022, one of North America’s most prestigious venues.
Sukar’s artistic contributions were further recognized in 2020 when he received the RBC Newcomer Arts Award, presented by the RBC Foundation and the Toronto Arts Foundation and administered by the Neighbourhood Arts Network. This accolade reflects his commitment to enriching the Canadian arts scene with his unique voice and vision.
In 2024, Buffet Crampon, the iconic clarinet manufacturer, invited Majd Sukar to join an esteemed lineup of international artists to test and promote their groundbreaking device, Clarimate, ahead of its launch in the North American market.
As a proud member of the Toronto Musicians’ Association (TMA) and the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Sukar continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike. His influence extends beyond Canada, earning him recognition as one of the most inspirational clarinetists in the Middle East. In honour of his contributions to promoting the Middle Eastern clarinet in the Canadian music scene, Jabrin Musical Services named their professional clarinet model “MS” after him—a testament to his enduring impact on global music.