George Sawa was born in Alexandria, Egypt and came to Canada in 1970. His early musical interest was the piano, which he learned from his father who played by ear. His early training was in western classical music and music theory. However, he soon fell in love with the beautiful sound of the Qanun, a traditional Middle Eastern instrument with twenty-six triple strings mounted on a fish skin membrane. George Sawa also plays bamboo flute and tambourine.

George Sawa and his group the Traditional Arabic Ensemble have performed at many concerts, arts galleries and museums in Canada and around the world in the United States, Holland, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. As well as being a distinguished musician he is full of stories about the music he plays and has a particular love of sharing his music with young people which he has done in schools all over Ontario. He currently lives in Toronto with his family where he teaches music and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Toronto.

In his workshop he introduces students to Arabic music putting it into an historical context and discussing its modern form. He helps students see the similarities and differences between oriental and western music and gives them an opportunity to practice simple and complex rhythms on instruments and with their own voices. George will also explain the construction of his Arabic instruments and discuss the relationship between the beautiful geometric designs carved and inlaid on the instruments and the music he plays.