Yousef is a Palestinian-Australian multi-talented, and award-winning musician and intellectual. 

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His music journey began on organ in 1991 when he was 16 in Saudi Arabia. In 2003, he moved to Australia, and a few years later, co-founded Jafra Band with Sarah McDonald and Liam O'Connell- performing "Arabic music with western instruments" and donating their arts, for more than 3 years, to several Australian charities. In 2019, he founded Tarab Ensemble, and has been leading it since then. 

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Despite his mobility disability, Yousef has excelled in several domains. Besides music, he is a renowned academic (Arabic language/culture), translator,  writer, proofreader, podcast producer, curriculum developer, refugee advocate and political analyst.

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In 2007, Yousef founded ASPIRE; a not-for-profit org that provides legal and language support to stateless Palestinians fleeing conflict zones in ME like Iraq and Syria. ASPIRE has largely contributed to the resettlement of more than 250 Palestinian to Australia so far.

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In recognition of his work to promote awareness in Australia about the culture of the Arab world and its marginalized groups, Yousef won numerous awards including "Eureka Australia Medal" in 2017, and "The Palestinian of the Year" in 2021 from "The Lady of the Earth Foundation" in Palestine.

 

Since 2013, Yousef has been leading Averroes Centre of Arab Culture. 
 

Krikor arrived in Australia in 2016 as a refugee from Syria, and soon has become Australia’s leading Arab Saxophone players.

 

Krikor is of Armenian origin, bringing to the ensemble the spirit of Armenian music. He started his music career in 1974 in Damascus and played with Zanoubia Symphony Orchestra and several other prestigious ensembles and orchestras in Syria and Lebanon.

 

He also participated in the music creation of tens of TV drama or educational productions in Syria, Lebanon and Kuwait.

 

Krikor is a co-founder of Tarab Ensemble.  

Khajak is a Syrian-Armenian guitarist and guitar maker.

Early Beginnings in Syria (2009-2012): 

Born and raised in the rich cultural tapestry of Syria, Khajak embarked on a musical journey that would soon transcend borders. 

In 2009, the strings of destiny called out, By 2010, he became an integral part of an Ethnic Armenian band, delving into the diverse and evocative world of Armenian musical traditions.

Crafting Sound: Building Electric Guitars (2018-present): 

In 2018, Khajak took their artistry to a new level by venturing into the world of luthiery. 

Fuelled by a passion for both the craft and the sound, started crafting electric guitars from scratch. Each guitar is not just an instrument but a manifestation of Khajak's dedication to the symbiosis of form and function.

Tarab Ensemble: A New Chapter (2022-present):

In late 2022, Khajak embraced a new chapter in their musical journey by joining the Tarab Ensemble. 

This ensemble, known for its commitment to preserving and innovating Middle Eastern music, became a natural home for Khajak's diverse musical background.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Cultures:

Khajak is not just a musician; he is a sonic storyteller and a cultural ambassador who weaves together the threads of their Syrian-Armenian heritage with the influences gathered from around the globe. 

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Through guitars, bouzoukis, and a relentless passion for crafting sound, Khajak invites you to join them on a journey where borders blur, and music becomes a universal language.

Sarah is a seasoned vocalist and multi-instrumentalist (from Castlemaine) with wide ranging experience across many styles, ranging from leading jazz combos throughout Australia and Japan, performing at festivals with original contemporary projects, playing music for circus, theatre and film and a number of world music ensembles.

 

Sarah joined Tarab Ensemble since inception.

After emerging onto the music improvisation scene in the 2000s with his ensemble Stir (Andrea Keller/Alain Valodze; Melbourne Jazz Co-op, SIMA), Michael left for France and studied with double bass virtuoso Francois Rabbath, and has developed a fluid and lyrical improvisation style. He has played with many improvising and folk musicians, including Peggy Van Zalm. He currently co-leads the ensemble Engla which explores the interplay between the expressive forces of music and image. He experiments with alternative tunings to enhance the range of expression of the double bass and has worked with bass luthiers Ben Puglisi and Matthew Tucker to develop a 5-string double bass (added high C) in 2018. Michael has employed music in his work as a psychoanalyst with aggressive children and adolescents. He has won several awards (including an Outstanding Achievement in Research Award from the University of Newcastle). 
He has also written two books published through Melbourne University Press and published several articles on the influence of the unconscious in the appreciation of fine art. 

Michael joined Tarab in May 2022. 
 

Nasser is a Lebanese percussionist with an amazing record of more than three decades of music.

He performed with Arab bands in Australia and in his home-country with iconic singers such as Najwa Karam, Milhim Barakat, Wael Kfouri, and with Arab singers such as Kazem Es-Sahir and Geroge Wassouf.

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Nasser joined Tarab Ensemble in November 2023
 

Dr Ali is a world-renowned expert on Arabic music and Iraqi scales. In the 80s and 90s, he led the establishment of several major Iraqi music institutions including the Iraqi Symphony Orchestra, and international music festivals such as Babylon International Festival. In 2015, he migrated to Australia and started sharing his vast knowledge with the community.

Since 2020, Dr Ali has been providing invaluable support and guidance to Tarab Ensemble and its members in many ways including in rehearsals, selection of repertoire and refining orchestrations.

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