About

A Syrian qanun player and musician, Maya Youssef is the daughter of Syrian writer Hassan Sami Youssef. She began learning to play instruments at the age of ten, and joined the Higher Institute of Music after graduating from high school to focus solely on the qanun. During her studies, she formed – along with her female colleagues - the first female group called “The Syrian Oriental Women’s Takht”, but was forced to leave the group after graduation as she had to travel. She continued her musical career as a qanun soloist and recorded several works that combine Oriental and Western styles. She also co-wrote the soundtrack of many television dramas.