By Daoud Kuttab

He was 15 when his parents bought him a cello for Christmas. “I have always loved classical music and it was great to have the opportunity to learn the cello.” Having played piano from an even younger age, Rami Labib Madanat would quickly pick up the musical notes and within a few years, he was playing with much older musicians.

Rami decided to join a local orchestra. The Kingston Chamber Orchestra associated with Kingston University, London welcomed the young musician. “They were very welcoming and invited me to come along and try playing. Everyone was friendly and I happily became part of the orchestra.”

The youngest cellist of the KCO played his second concert at the historic All Saints Church in Kingston upon Thames Saturday, July 8^th with family and friends celebrating his performance.

The program included Spontini’s Overture to La Vestale, the Saxophone concerto by Paul Creston, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 6 ‘Pathetique’.

Rami was born in Jerusalem to Labib and Carolyn Madanat, he grew up in Amman before leaving with his parents to England where his mother was studying theology at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University.

While Rami loves playing in the orchestra, he will miss a tour in Europe this fall. “I will be returning to SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) for the final year of my BA degree studying political science.” A news and politics junkie, Rami looks forward to a career in public service.