LUTFI MALHAS

Lutfi Malhas was born in Damascus, where he lived until the age of five. He spent his early years between the city of Damascus and the rural village of Al-Nabk, his mother’s hometown. This geographical and cultural diversity played a significant role in shaping his musical taste, as he was exposed from a young age to a mix of musical styles—ranging from the traditional Arabic music of Al-Nabk to the urban melodies that filled the streets of Damascus.

His parents, especially his father, who played the oud, discovered his musical talent when he was just three years old. His mother took him to the Russian Cultural Center in Damascus for an aural test, where they informed her that Lutfi had an exceptional musical ear and a promising future as a musician. This marked the beginning of his musical journey in Damascus.

After the family moved to Amman, Malhas began taking private lessons on various instruments, showing great interest in percussion, guitar, and piano. As he progressed in school, he started forming and leading different music bands, giving him the opportunity to explore a variety of musical genres, including Arabic music, jazz, blues, rock, and alternative music. This early exposure to a wide range of styles helped develop his artistic sense and built a strong foundation for his musical future.

Although he initially pursued Accounting at Amman Al-Ahliyya University, his passion for music never faded. His studies took a dramatic turn after a chance visit to the National Music Conservatory (NMC) in Amman. That day, he was deeply moved while watching a rehearsal of the Amman Symphony Orchestra, and he made a life-changing decision to leave accounting and fully commit to music. He enrolled at the National Music Conservatory, where he studied under the esteemed cellist Fadi Hattar and a distinguished group of professional instructors. In 2012, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance with honors.

While still a student, Malhas became a cellist in the Amman Symphony Orchestra, where he performed for five years until the orchestra disbanded. He then joined "JoOrchestra," a project supported by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, performing in numerous classical concerts for eight years.

In 2013, Malhas expanded his musical career by joining the Jordanian rock band "Jadal" as a bass guitarist. With Jadal, he recorded an album and toured internationally, playing at major festivals before audiences of thousands—including performances with over 100,000 attendees in a single concert. This experience, combined with his love for classical music, gave him the ability to offer a truly unique musical experience to audiences.

This diverse background of experiences provided him with the tools and skills needed to achieve his dream of creating a society that appreciates and values music. With his strong leadership abilities, Malhas founded a music school in Amman, offering high-quality academic music education with accessibility to all social groups. In addition, he established a community orchestra, reinforcing the role of music in society. His ultimate goal is to foster a musical environment based on respect, commitment, and artistic growth, strengthening social bonds through the power of music.

It is worth noting that Malhas' academic musical background, combined with his exceptional managerial skills and extensive performance history in both orchestras and rock bands, has created a dynamic and unique approach to music-making. His ability to merge these different musical worlds turns each concert he directs into an unforgettable experience, leaving audiences with the feeling that they have been part of something extraordinary—one they long to relive again and again.

Beyond his contributions to the music world, Lutfi is deeply passionate about creating community-based projects and fostering learning experiences across various fields. In 2019, he used his skills to launch one of the first Arabic-language podcasts, Ping Pong Table Talk, which was aired live on YouTube. Lutfi was both the host and founder of the podcast, leading engaging discussions that captivated audiences. The podcast was acclaimed worldwide by Arabic listeners from all over the world, drawing a dedicated audience that resonated with its engaging discussions and diverse guests. The podcast featured over 100 episodes with numerous Jordanian artists, entrepreneurs, and comedians, creating an open space for engaging discussions.

In addition to his work in music and media, Lutfi has a long-standing passion for fine woodworking, a craft he has pursued since childhood. In 2021, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by establishing a world-class woodshop, showcasing his dedication to craftsmanship and artistry. His commitment to education extends beyond music—he also created a YouTube channel dedicated to DIY projects, called Lutfi Malhas Woodworks, making learning accessible to his community and inspiring others to embrace creativity and hands-on skills.