Easily identified as one of the most creative talents in the contemporary international music scene, Iraqi-born violinist Rami Youssef resides and performs in Chicago. Rami’s distinctive sound evolved from the traditional styles of the Middle East and his Assyrian heritage, further inspired by the music of Turkey and Eastern Europe that he has been drawn to nearly all of his life. Whether, improvising dynamic taxisms or providing rich accompaniment to other instruments, his playing is imbued with exceptional emotional intensity.
As a child, Rami demonstrated a natural ear for music. Encouraged by his mother, a well-known singer, he took it upon himself to study, learn to read music, and play western melodies from books.
Having emigrated to Jordan in 1994, he discovered extensive opportunities to develop his artistic nature, perform, and work with other experienced musicians through the church. By the time he and his mother joined their family in the USA in 1999, Rami had already gained recognition for his talent and ability to arrange music, and was immediately sought after by local Assyrian singers to play in the Chicago nightclubs.
Rami’s arrangements and solos have been featured in diverse productions, from Arabic and Assyrian to Flamenco, and even commissioned to be recorded by top musicians in Turkey.
Currently, he performs in concerts and festivals in addition to the premier ethnic venues in the Chicago area, and is also available to teach private lessons. His own original projects continue to experiment with World Music and fusions of eastern and western forms.
