Assaf Benraf   bass

Assaf Benraf was born in Bat Yam in 1982. He studied violin with Yaakov Milman for ten years and later viola with Lilach Levanon. Concurrently he played/sang in the Giviatayim conservatory chamber orchestra and the Thelma Yellin High School of Arts’ symphony orchestra and choir, graduating with distinction in 2000.

He began vocal studies with Tamar Rachum at the age of 17. He continued his musical studies with Miriam Meltzer and Agnes Massini at the Rubin Academy of Music and with Roberto Coviello at the International Academy of Music in Milan. During his studies he sang as soloist in Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” and a number of operatic roles: Sarastro in a children’s production of “The Magic Flute” with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Geronte in “Manon Lescaut”, Kecal in “the bartered bride” and the title role of “Don Pasquale”.

Assaf has participated in masterclasses with Nancy Argenta and John Norris, the latter at the international opera summer program in Tel-Aviv.

Assaf received a Scholarship from the America-Israel culture foundation for 2002-2003.

Recently he has sung with “Philarmonia singers”. Currently he is conductor and music arranger of “Dorot” choir and lecturer on classical music at “HaKathedra Ha’amamit” Besides classical music, Assaf specializes in Neapolitan music and language.

He is a member of Voce PHOENIX.