Joseph Tawadros was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1983. Immigrating to Australia in 1986, he brought with him a musical tradition inherited from his maternal grandfather, Mansi Habib (1920-1957), an active composer and an oud and violin virtuoso in Cairo. Joseph was encouraged to explore the musical parameters of the oud and the traditional Egyptian taqasim, a performing style akin to improvisation.
In December 2001, Joseph returned to Egypt and began studying the Egyptian violin with the celebrated Egyptian violinist, Esawi Daghir. Joseph also plays other Arabic traditional instruments including Nay (bamboo flute), Qanun (Arabic Zither) and Cello.
Joseph has toured extensively in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East and has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues with other exceptional artists.
In May 2006 Joseph graduated with a Bachelor of music with Honours from the University of NSW with a pioneering analysis on advanced techniques and applications in oud playing.
Joseph has released 7 albums to date - Storyteller (ABC Classics - 2004) - ARIA award for the Best World Music album. Rouhani (ABC Classics -2005). Visions (JT2006). Epiphany (JT2007) and Angel (JT2008) which both were all nominated for an ARIA award for Best World Music Album in their respective years. In 2009 saw the release of his solo oud album The Prophet - Music inspired by the poetry of Kahlil Gibran (JT 2009). His latest offering The Hour of Separation, (JT 2010/ENJA Records) collaborating with legendary jazz luminaries John Abercrombie, John Patitucci and Jack DeJohnette recorded in New York at Avatar studios.
Joseph has also composed for film and theatre, most notably the documentaries. He has also completed compositions for animations with artist Michael Roseth.