Malek Jandali
Emessa (Homs)
Original Piano & Orchestra music combining Oriental melodies, Arabic modes, and Syrian rhythms with the western symphony orchestra.
• The Artist:
Born in Germany to Syrian parents in 1972, award-winning composer and pianist, Malek Jandali, is recognized as a leading figure in today's piano world. His outstanding recordings and extensive concert tours receive abundantly glowing praise. His musical career as a concert pianist began in 1988, after winning the first prize at the National Young Artists’ competition followed by the Outstanding Musical Performer Award.
A prolific composer, Malek’s works have received critical acclaim in major newspapers throughout Europe and North America. He has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio (NPR), BBC, Radio France Musique and was featured on CNN, PBS, Al Jazeera, and France 2 TV.
Jandali is the first Arab musician to arrange the oldest music notation in the world, which was featured in his 2008 album “Echoes from Ugarit”. In 2011, he was the recipient of the “Freedom of Expression” award for his song “Watani Ana – I am my Homeland”, as well as his activism in the Arab Spring movement for human rights and democracy.
His latest album "Emessa" includes original compositions recorded with The Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in Moscow. The music was inspired by the 2011 historic Syrian revolution and courageous stand of the people against brutality and dictatorship.
Jandali’s diverse career remains truly international, as he continues to captivate audiences in concerts throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East at such prestigious venues as Lafayette Park at the White House, The Kennedy Center, The Royal Conservatory of Toronto, The Music Institute of Chicago, St. John’s Smith Square, The Wiener Konzerthaus, and The Cairo Opera House among others.
Malek currently resides in Atlanta and is a member of The Recording Academy and The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). His music is published by Soul b Music and can be found on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and at Virgin Megastores.
• The Album:
"Emessa" is the Roman name of my city Homs, Syria. The album includes original compositions for piano & orchestra recorded in Moscow with The Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. The music of this album is dedicated to the brave people of my beloved homeland, Syria, who are peacefully calling for freedom, democracy and human rights. This album was inspired by the sounds, pulse and soul of my beautiful city, Homs "Emessa".
World: Middle East Contemporary