Haytham Safia

(Jerusalem, 1980) is a classically schooled Arab musician. At a young age he discovered his passion for the ud. In 2001 he made his debut in the Netherlands with an ensemble accompanying the modern Galili Dance Company. In 2002 he graduated with distinction from the Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem. In 2004 he formed his own ensemble, the Haytham Qu4rtet, consisting of musicians from various musical backgrounds. They perform Haytham's compositions with jazz and African influences and a strong classical Arab background. The cd Blossom was released in 2006 by Rounder Europe.