Jewish Chicago Magazine
Ari Fisher
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Jewish music is in Ari’s bones.
He’s a composer and violinist whose work is making a meaningful contribution to contemporary Jewish cultural life. Through his compositions and performances, he engages deeply with Jewish identity, history, and tradition while reaching wide audiences.
An internationally renowned composer and in-house arranger for the genre-bending ensemble ATLYS String Quartet, Ari has composed and arranged dozens of pieces. He also serves as Composer-in-Residence at Artemis Chamber Orchestra, where he performs as a section violinist, and as Academy Coordinator and Orchestra Manager for The Academy at The Music Institute of Chicago.
Ari recently composed Makhzorim: Jewish Cycles, a six-movement work for string quartet that traces the Jewish calendar through its seasons and holidays. Commissioned for ATLYS, the piece received its world premiere at the Violins of Hope concert presented by the Jewish Federation of the Quad cities.
Ari’s broader body of work—including Psalm 27, Ahava Rabbah, and 3 Jewish Dances—demonstrates his commitment to diverse Jewish musical exploration.
Beyond composing, he is a performer and educator. He plays with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, performs for his synagogue, and teaches music to high school students.
Age: 34
Pronouns: he/him/his
Primary gig: Composer/Arranger/Orchestrator/Violinist
On the side: Violinist for Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, section violinist at Artemis Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra Manager for The Academy at The Music Institute of Chicago, and music teacher at New Trier High School
A Jew who inspires you: Itzhak Perlman. I watched him on Rechov Sumsum (Israeli Sesame Street) as a baby and his violin playing set me on my musical path.
Celebrity doppelganger: According to my wife, Zach Braff. I don’t see it.
Your best piece of advice: Versatility is essential. Every style of music has value. A mentor once told me, “If a client asks for a certain style of music and you can’t write it, the job goes to someone else.” That advice stayed with me. Being open-minded and adaptable has been one of the most important lessons in building my career. But versatility without authenticity is just imitation. The goal is to bring your true voice to whatever you’re asked to do. Be proud of who you are. Don’t hide it.