Yamen Saadi

As a soloist, Saadi has performed with orchestras such as Staatskapelle Berlin, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra de València, Kremerata Baltica, Harvard Orchestra, Galilee Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has performed with conductors including Daniel Barenboim, Lawrence Foster, Leonidas Kavakos, Yaron Traub and Christoph Poppen.

Saadi has performed in recital and concerto at various festivals and concert halls across Europe, Asia and the US. These include; Carnegie Hall, Rheingau Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Jerusalem Festival and Schloss Elmau.

In January 2022, Saadi released his first recital album entitled Voices From Paris with pianist Nathalia Milstein, featuring works by Poulenc, Ysaÿe and Fauré. Saadi’s recording received the following critical acclaim: 'the blend of virtuosity, lyricism and controlled expressivity is perfect' and he was described as playing 'with great suppleness, flexibility and a finely graduated but wide dynamic range' by Pizzicato.

Yamen Saadi was born in Nazareth and began studying the violin at the Barenboim-Said Conservatory in Nazareth. He then studied under the guidance of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra concertmaster, Chaim Taub, and at age 11, joined the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. At age 17, he became concertmaster of the orchestra. Saadi completed his Bachelor’s degree at the Barenboim-Said Academy, and gained his Master’s degree at the Kronberg Academy where he studied with Mihaela Martin.

In 2020, Saadi won first prize at both the Aviv and Paul Ben Haim Competition. He has been awarded scholarships from the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and The Prince von Hessen Award.

As a chamber musician, Saadi co-founded the award-winning Chianti Ensemble, a piano quintet which tours all over Europe. In 2022, the Chianti Ensemble has been awarded the prestigious Kersjes Prize.

Yamen Saadi plays the 'Ex Lord Amherst of Hackney, Ex Fritz Kreisler' Antonio Stradivari violin from 1734, and a Jacob Eury bow, both generously loaned to him by Stephan Jansen on behalf of a member of the Stretton society.

2022/23 season / 399 words. Not to be altered without permission.