Widely recognized as a virtuoso performer and master teacher, violinist Raphael Klayman has been internationally praised for the beauty of his tone, the depth and flair of his musicianship, his vivid rapport with audiences, and his rare balance of virtuosity and sensitivity. He has shared these qualities with audiences through such media as radio, television, concerto performances with orchestra, and innumerable recitals – including a New York Debut at CAMI Hall and a European Debut in Geneva Switzerland, where he performed at the International Red Cross Museum and at the Palace of Athena. His Geneva Debut formed part of Concerts Atlantique's 1990 European International Festival. Selected through competitive auditions, he was among 54 soloists or ensembles chosen to perform at the Festival from over 1,400 applicants and was one of only two solo violinists so chosen. Other solo highlights have included an appearance at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He has also performed chamber music in a number of venues, including New York's Merkin Hall. He has enlarged his repertoire in a personal way by composing many cadenzas, several short pieces, and making numerous arrangements.

In addition to his solo and chamber music activities, Raphael Klayman has played in the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops and various fine ensembles in New York and New Jersey, frequently serving as Concertmaster. Always specializing in classical music, he has been very active in popular music as well. He has worked with Tony Bennett and was invited to be Concertmaster for a Broadway tour of "Miss Saigon". He has served as Concertmaster for Ray Charles, Regis Philbin and Clay Aiken. He also appears in an award-winning music video with Rascal Flatts.

In earlier seasons, Mr. Klayman toured the U.S. three times as a member of the Goldovsky Opera Theatre. He also toured throughout Japan as a member of the New York Symphonic Ensemble, with whom he has also worked in New York's Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall. Engagements off the beaten path have ranged from starring in a television commercial to playing in a gondola in Manhattan’s Central Park for a wedding proposal!

A graduate of the Mannes College of Music in New York where he was a recipient of several scholarships, he also holds a Certificat de Stage from the Centre International de Formation Musicale in Nice, France. His early studies were with two former pupils of the legendary pedagogue, Leopold Auer – Harry Fratkin and Vladimir Graffman. His later teachers included Regis Iandiorio, and he undertook advanced training with three of America's foremost virtuosos – Glenn Dicterow, Aaron Rosand, and Charles Libove. His chamber music coaches have included Paul Doktor, Claus Adam.

Raphael Klayman enjoys walking, meditating, and collecting books, art and musical instruments. He has also done professional writing and a number of his book reviews have been published in the distinguished violin periodical, “The Strad.”. A dedicated violin teacher, he currently serves on the faculties of three music schools and also teaches privately. A number of his students have themselves become professional violinists and teachers.

Raphael Klayman has been listed in the Marquis "Who's Who in Entertainment" and "Who's Who in Emerging Leaders in America", as well as the American Biographical Institute's "International Book of Honor".

Mr. Klayman's solo CD albums are available on the GuarneriRecords label.