Omar Almusfi was born in Syria in 1976. From an early age, he showed a proclivity for music. Imitating both his brother and his brother-in-law, Omar taught himself tabla and by the age of eight, his family began to recognize his musical talents. At ten, he won several national competitions at the elementary level. By age thirteen, he was competing above his age level, and began teaching himself to read music and traditional Arabic forms. During this time, Omar also began to perform professionally with different bands and with well-known singers.



Drawn to western styles of music, Omar expanded his repertoire to include the drum kit and began formal lessons rock and funk drumming. After high school, he was accepted into the prestigious Syrian Conservatory of Music and joined the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra. Omar majored in classical music and studied the marimba, vibraphone and timpani in addition to all the traditional Arabic percussion. For more than seven years, he has traveled throughout the Middle East and Europe, performing with the Symphony as well as with various Arabic bands and singers. In between tours, Omar taught at the Syrian Arabic Institute, an academy for young music students, and recorded extensively in the studio. His recordings include everything from the albums of singers and orchestras to soundtracks for movies and theatre.



After graduation, Omar relocated to Chicago to pursue studies in Latin jazz. He performs regularly with Arabic bands at local nightclubs, and in more traditional ensembles at workshops and festivals. In addition, he performed with a group called The Astro Beat Circus that plays an eclectic style of music that ranges from jazz to techno. He plays with several classical Middle-Eastern Ensemble, and recently formed an innovative band, HiJazz. Their CD, Modern Mijanna, showcases Omar's vision of traditional Middle-Eastern melodies; arabic, armenian, and turkish, blended with modern latin jazz and intrumentation. His arrangements are performed by the six members of HiJazz: Kinan Abou Afash, cello and oud; Robert Artinian, clarinet and sax; Brett Row, piano; Patrick William, bass; Heitor Garcias, drums; Omar Al Musfi, percussion; as well as special guest artists.



HiJazz and Omar Al Musfi appreciate your support and will continue to provide the kind of quality entertainment you have come to expect from artists of this caliber.