Christos Rafalides is a distinguished jazz vibraphonist, composer, and educator with 30 years of experience in the sizzling NYC jazz scene. Born and raised in Greece, Christos pursued his passion for music by studying classical percussion before receiving a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Vibraphone Performance. Further honing his craft, he then moved to New York and attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his Master’s degree.

Finding his unique voice in the vibrant soundscape of New York, he founded “Manhattan Vibes,” a dynamic jazz ensemble that has captivated audiences at some of the city’s most renowned venues, including the Blue Note, Jazz Standard and Dizzy’s Club at Lincoln Center, while also touring Europe, Asia and South America. The band has featured renowned guest soloists such as Randy Brecker, Ravi Coltrane, Donny McCaslin, Antonio Sanchez, Mark Ledford, Sam Newsome, Keith Carlock, to name a few.

Christos' career is marked by numerous collaborations with celebrated artists. He has recorded with Chaka Khan, Christy Baron, Randy Brecker, The Charles Mingus “Epitaph” Band featuring bassist Christian McBride and conductor Gunther Schuller, The Harmony Ensemble of New York, Joe Locke, Jovanotti, Louie Vega, Sergio Salvatore, Giovanni Mirabassi, Antonio Sanchez, Hector Martignon, John Benitez and others. He has also appeared with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis at Lincoln Center in New York City.

He has also collaborated and recorded with some of Greece’s most prominent composers and musicians, among which Mimis Plessas, Dimitra Galani and Alkinoos Ioannidis.

In addition to his performance accolades, Christos is a composer and arranger, with works for mallet instruments, jazz ensembles and classical orchestra. His original works for mallets are published and performed in concerts around the globe. 

As an educator, he has delivered masterclasses internationally and is recognized as an exceptional vibraphone teacher and performer, with several solo and ensemble pieces to his credit, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

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Christos is endorsed by Musser Vibraphones, Vic Firth mallets and Pearl's
MalletStation. He makes his home in Barcelona, Spain.