Who we are
Zambra (from the Arabic word for "gathering") is a groundbreaking quintet that weaves together diverse musical traditions from across the globe. This unique collaboration brings together five exceptional musicians from Catalonia, NYC, Tehran, Atlanta, and Andalusia to create a harmonious fusion of flamenco, Romani, Persian classical, Indian, Catalonian, and jazz traditions.
Through original compositions and imaginative arrangements of traditional melodies, Zambra celebrates cultural connection, sisterhood, and the art of improvisation. Their performances create intimate sonic worlds grounded in deep friendship and mutual respect, inviting both musicians and audiences into spaces of vulnerability and creative discovery.
The Artists
Devon Gates (bass, vocals) is an accomplished musician and composer from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music (London), Devon has made her mark in the jazz scene working with luminaries including Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Jen Shyu, and Nicole Mitchell. Her compositions blend jazz, chamber, and soul influences, earning her the Marion Brown Prize, Composers Now First Commission Award 2024, and HerVoice Prize.
Queralt Giralt Soler (cello, vocals) brings a unique fusion of cello and voice to the ensemble. A graduate in cello pedagogy from ESMUC, she is completing her Jazz Performance diploma at Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship. As part of the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, Queralt studies under Linda May Han Oh and has collaborated with renowned artists including Kenny Barron, Jacques Morelenbaum, Joe Lovano, and performed with Latin Grammy winners Las Migas.
Ria Modak (guitar, vocals) is a guitarist, composer, and historian from New York. Currently a PhD student at Brown University studying music and nationalism in India, Ria is a graduate of both Harvard College and the New England Conservatory. She has collaborated with artists including Vijay Iyer, Ali Sethi, Paquito D'Rivera, and Isheeta Chakrvarty, performing at prestigious venues across the United States and South Asia.
Ángela Varo Moreno (violin, vocals) is an award-winning violinist, composer, and producer from Andalusia, Spain. An honored alumna of Berklee College of Music and the Global Jazz Institute master program, Ángela's music blends jazz, Romani, and flamenco traditions, honoring her Andalusian heritage. Her artistic mission bridges traditional music with contemporary innovation, using music as a tool for generational healing and social change.
Bahar Badiei (oud, vocals) is an Iranian oud player, composer, and educator whose work spans Iranian classical music, contemporary concert music, jazz, and free improvisation. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Presidential Scholarship, her unique background influences her approach to composition and improvisation, creating music that reflects her extensive exploration and creativity. A member of Danilo Perez's Global Jazz Messengers, she has performed and toured with GRAMMY-winning musicians, including John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Danilo Perez, and Bruno Raberg. Bahar is pursuing her master’s degree at Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
The quintet's members have been mentored by world-class musicians including Joe Lovano, Linda May Han Oh, Terri Lyne Carrington, Vijay Iyer, Danilo Pérez, Javier Limón, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade. Their collaboration emerged from the interconnected communities of Harvard University, New England Conservatory, Brown University, and Berklee College of Music—particularly its Global Jazz Institute and Jazz and Gender Institute.
Contact us
We would love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in collaborations, booking, or simply connecting, feel free to reach out.