About
Master Cellist and Visionary Ethnomusicologist
Yassir Bousselam is a master cellist and a leading figure in world music, celebrated for blending Western classical, jazz, and Arabic traditions. His performances at prestigious venues all over the world highlight his exceptional artistry and global acclaim.
As the founder of the Yassir Bousselam Trio, he pioneers a unique fusion of Arab melodies and jazz, bridging cultures through music. Beyond the stage, Dr. Bousselam’s research on Moroccan Andalusian music and his role as an educator inspire the next generation, ensuring the preservation and evolution of musical heritage.
Ethnomusicologist
Dr. Yassir Bousselam is an acclaimed ethnomusicologist whose work explores the intricate intersections of music, culture, and history. Specializing in Moroccan Andalusian music, his doctoral research, “The Moroccan Andalusian Music al-Âla: An Anthropological-Historical Approach, Transformations, and Cultural Identity”, presents a groundbreaking study of the cultural and historical transformations within this musical tradition. His work has been lauded for its scholarly rigor and its contribution to the understanding of the role music plays in shaping cultural identity, earning him recognition from international scholars.
Yassir’s academic journey began in the realm of performance, studying cello at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where he earned multiple degrees. However, his intellectual curiosity led him to shift focus, culminating in a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Paris Nanterre. His research blends historical, cultural, and technological perspectives, shedding light on the evolution of Moroccan Andalusian music and the impact of colonialism, nationalism, and modernity on its development.
In addition to his academic work, Yassir is an active participant in the global ethnomusicological community. He regularly presents at leading international conferences, such as the ICTM Mediterranean Music Studies Group and the International Symposium on Musical Creation and Sound Electrification. His contributions examine critical issues such as the rise of musical nationalism in Arab-Andalusian music, the transition from acoustic to electric recordings in Morocco, and the preservation of musical heritage.
Yassir’s research is informed by his practical experience as a performer and educator, which provides him with a unique, hands-on perspective on the music he studies. As an associate researcher at the Centre de Recherche en Ethnomusicologie (CREM) in Paris and a collaborator with the Laboratory of Ethnology & Comparative Sociology (LESC), he continues to push the boundaries of ethnomusicology, focusing on the preservation of oral musical traditions and the role of music in cultural memory.
His passion for safeguarding musical heritage extends beyond academic inquiry; Yassir is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at preserving the musical traditions of Morocco and the broader Mediterranean region. He actively collaborates with musicians, institutions, and cultural organizations to promote the transmission of music as a living, evolving tradition.
Dr. Yassir Bousselam’s contributions to ethnomusicology offer valuable insights into the ways music shapes and reflects identity, providing a deeper understanding of global musical practices. His work stands as a vital link between academic scholarship and cultural preservation, bridging the gap between the past and present and ensuring that musical traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
Cellist
Yassir Bousselam is one of the most influential and brilliant cellists in the Arab world, celebrated for his exceptional ability to perform across a wide array of musical genres. His versatility spans Western classical music, jazz, classical Arabic music, and contemporary Arabic compositions, showcasing his profound understanding of diverse musical traditions. From early recognition in Morocco, where he won top honors in Solfeggio and Cello, to receiving a prestigious scholarship from the French government, Yassir’s musical journey has been defined by both technical mastery and an ever-expanding musical vision.
As a cellist, Yassir performs with remarkable skill and expression, moving effortlessly between genres. His deep-rooted knowledge of Western classical music allows him to perform traditional orchestral repertoire with precision, while his passion for jazz enables him to explore the boundaries of improvisation and freedom in music. His performances in classical Arabic music and contemporary Arabic compositions reflect his commitment to preserving and evolving the musical heritage of the Arab world. This unique blend of styles positions Yassir as a prominent figure in the world of world music.
Yassir’s education, which includes a Master’s degree in concert performance from the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and a Master’s in Music Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Mons, laid a strong foundation for his expansive career. He has performed as a soloist with prestigious orchestras like the Orchestre Philharmonique du Maroc, the Orchestre de la Chapelle de Tournai, and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra. His concerts have taken him to iconic venues worldwide, including the Philharmonie de Paris, Bataclan, Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin.
As the founder of the Yassir Bousselam Trio, an oriental jazz project, Yassir blends traditional Arab melodies with the improvisational freedom of jazz, creating an exciting fusion that resonates with audiences worldwide. This project is just one example of his ability to bridge cultures and genres through music.
A passionate advocate for the art of improvisation and interpretation, Yassir is also a sought-after educator, regularly conducting masterclasses and workshops across the globe. He specializes in improvisation and interpretation, offering students from diverse musical backgrounds the tools to unlock their creative potential. Through his engaging teaching, he provides invaluable insights into the expressive possibilities of music, drawing from both Eastern and Western traditions to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Whether performing on stage or teaching in workshops, Yassir Bousselam embodies the spirit of world music, transcending cultural and musical boundaries with his exceptional ability to interpret and improvise across a variety of genres. His career stands as a testament to music’s universal power to connect, inspire, and innovate.