A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I’m Anas, a handpan musician and composer from Syria. Music has been part of my life since childhood, and it’s how I find connection in new places. My roots, travels and the people I meet all find their way into what I play. Today, I share the handpan through performances, lessons and gatherings. I value the simple moments most: sitting together, listening, and making room for everyone, whether they play an instrument or are hearing one for the first time.
THE INSTRUMENT
ITS BEGINNINGS
The handpan’s story is closely connected to the Hang, developed in Bern, Switzerland, by PANArt’s Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in 2000. Their work grew from years of research into steelpan making and the way metal vibrates.
GETTING CLOSER
Every handpan has its own set of notes and its own character. Listen for the low centre note, then the brighter tones around it.
LISTENING DIFFERENTLY
There’s no need to know the names of the notes to enjoy listening. Give yourself a moment to notice the space between them.
When you listen to a performance, follow one note as it fades. Then notice how the next touch changes the phrase.
The centre note is called the Ding. Around it, shaped areas of steel hold the other notes. A light touch starts the metal vibrating; lifting your hand lets the sound ring out. Each area is carefully tuned by the maker.
The joined shells enclose a pocket of air. An opening underneath, called the Gu, connects it to the outside. This air resonates alongside the steel, helping give the handpan its rounded, lingering sound.
A handpan’s notes are chosen to form a scale—a family of pitches with its own character. They stay fixed as you play. Changing their order, timing and touch lets you find different melodies.
MUSIC & MOMENTS
OUR COMMUNITY
In Dubai, our handpan community brings together people of different ages, cultures, and musical experiences.
Some arrive ready to play. Others come simply to listen. Together, we learn, exchange ideas, and enjoy making music without needing to be in the same place on our journeys.
My hope is to keep opening that circle—a Handpan Earth Family where everyone feels welcome.
Meet the orchestraWAYS TO CONNECT
Intimate sessions, shared stages, and special gatherings. I perform solo and with other musicians, shaping each experience around the people and the occasion.
Arrange a performanceAn introduction to the handpan, or space to develop your playing. We explore touch, rhythm, and melody at your pace, with curiosity at the centre.
Explore lessonsChoosing an instrument is personal. I help you explore handcrafted handpans and find a sound you feel connected to.
Find your instrument
THE PEOPLE
A shared stage.
An open circle.
The music continues through the people who share it. Come closer to the performances, faces and moments behind Anas Handpan.
Follow @anashandpan