Originally from Ecuador and of Palestinian heritage, Jussif Barakat Martínez is a bassist currently based in The Hague. His musical journey began with electric bass, studying with Marcelo Acevedo, and later he joined the Franz Liszt Conservatory of Quito, where he studied jazz under the guidance of Serge Agosh-Koff and Daniel Mancero. He also studied with his beloved mentors Rodrigo Becerra and Marvin “Doc” Holladay. His path to early music was somewhat of a coincidence—after being given the opportunity to attend a summer course in Oberlin, he attended the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute and met former Tafelmusik violinist Marc Destrubé. This encounter ultimately led him to the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where he focused on historical performance and earned Master of Music degrees in both classical double bass and violone, studying with Maggie Urquhart, Quirijn van Regteren Altena, and Jean-Paul Everts. Regular performances include collaborations with the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century and Le Concert des Nations, along with ensembles such as Dunedin Consort, Les Musiciens du Prince, Il Gardellino, Balthasar-Neumann Orchestra, La Petite Bande, B’Rock, Collegium Vocale Gent, and the Netherlands Bach Society. In 2019, he was awarded first prize at the Viennese Bass Days in Amsterdam for historically informed performance, both solo and ensemble. Having been fortunate to be mentored by Owen Hart Jr., Yussif has played with him in several bands across the Netherlands, including at the 44 Gouvy Jazz Festival. He feels very honoured to be joining the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra in September 2025.
Photo credit: Milagro Elstak