Naseem Alatrash

Naseem Alatrash is a Grammy-nominated cellist and composer/educator based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Tribune praised Alatrash for his "particularly lustrous tone." His performances blend improvisation with traditional melodies, emphasizing Arabic music, contemporary classical influences, and Jazz. 

He is currently touring as a soloist and performing in various ensembles, including the Global Messengers with Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Pérez and the Turtle Island Quartet, which tours with Grammy-winning composer/trumpetist Terence Blanchard. Alatrash has performed at numerous international festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz, and the Abu Dhabi Music Festival, and has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Royal Albert Hall. 

As an educator, Naseem serves as a visiting assistant professor of Cello and ensembles at Berklee College of Music, directs the Arab Music Ensemble at Tufts University, and leads the Global Folk Traditions Ensemble at Longy School of Music, conducting workshops worldwide. Alatrash earned the first prize in the Mass Cultural Council’s composition fellowship award in 2021 for his outstanding work. 

He has received grants from the Foundation and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC). He has been honored as String Player of the Year twice by the National Music Competition of Palestine and holds Bachelor's, Master's, and Post-Master's degrees from Berklee College of Music.