Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

1984 in Damascus, Syria

 

Maya Youssef is a Syrian-born musician who has gained international recognition for her mastery of the qanun, a traditional Middle Eastern stringed instrument. Born in Damascus in 1979, Youssef grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a composer and oud player, while her mother was a singer. Youssef began playing the qanun at the age of nine and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Youssef's early musical education was focused on traditional Arabic music, which she studied at the Damascus Conservatory. She also learned to play the piano and the violin, but her true passion was always the qanun. She was particularly drawn to the instrument's unique sound and its ability to convey a wide range of emotions. In 1999, Youssef moved to London to continue her musical studies. She enrolled in the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied under the renowned qanun player Abdullah Chhadeh. During her time at the academy, Youssef began to experiment with blending traditional Arabic music with other genres, such as jazz and classical music. She also began to compose her own music, drawing on her experiences as a Syrian immigrant living in London. Youssef's breakthrough performance came in 2010, when she was invited to perform at the BBC Proms, one of the world's most prestigious classical music festivals. Her performance was a critical and commercial success, and she was praised for her innovative approach to the qanun. This performance helped to establish Youssef as a rising star in the world of classical music. Since then, Youssef has performed at some of the world's most renowned music festivals, including the WOMAD festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. She has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including the Kronos Quartet and the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music. In addition to her live performances, Youssef has released several albums of her own music. Her debut album, "Syrian Dreams," was released in 2017 and was widely praised for its innovative blend of traditional Arabic music with jazz and classical influences. The album was nominated for several awards, including the Songlines Music Award for Best Album. Youssef's music is deeply influenced by her experiences as a Syrian immigrant living in London. She has spoken openly about the challenges of being a Muslim woman in the music industry, and her music often reflects her political and social views. She has also been a vocal advocate for refugees and has used her music to raise awareness about the plight of Syrian refugees. Despite the challenges she has faced, Youssef has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with the qanun. Her innovative approach to the instrument has earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative musicians working today. She has won numerous awards for her music, including the Arts and Culture Award at the Arab British Centre Awards in 2018. Youssef's music is a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural and political boundaries. Her unique blend of traditional Arabic music with other genres has helped to bring the qanun to a wider audience, and her advocacy for refugees has helped to raise awareness about one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.

More....