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| Malek Jandali: "Echoes From Ugarit” Ugarit inspired his musical project, a project which traveled the world. For composer & pianist Malek Jandali, Ugarit was an obvious choice to launch his project "Echoes from Ugarit" whereat a 5000 year old manuscript of musical note was discovered. "Echoes from Ugarit" consists of 11 original musical works composed and performed by him and the Symphony Orchestra. His music is classified as neither Classical nor Arabic, but a harmonious combination of both presenting his audience a fresh experience. Jandali, the famous Syrian composer and pianist, began performing at musical concerts in Homs at the age of 8. Though classical music was quite underrated in Homs at the time, the prodigy's family supported his gift and helped him better it, which paid off when he won the National Young Artist in Syria Award at the age of 12. Jandali received numerous prizes in the US including the Stegner Foundation for the Arts Fellowship and the 1997 Outstanding Musical Performer Award. "My father lived in Vienna for 18 years, and he had always regretted not picking up an instrument, " Malek added "which is why I believe he supported me since the beginning and all that I am now I owe to him." Jandali moved to Damascus to join the Higher Institute of Music, and after two years he received a full scholarship to the United States to pursue advanced studies in music at the North Carolina School of the Arts. He attained his BA from Queens University and his Master's from the University of North Carolina. After 15 years of living and performing in the United States, Jandali was determined to launch his own project "Echoes from Ugarit." He worked on it for almost a year and titled his compositions with Arabic names. "Returning to my Arab roots was the main idea, by developing the rhythm and melodies of Arabic music I could represent my country." Malek added "The west highly appreciates Arabic music for its maqamat and modes, and it is regarded as a great form of art." "I searched for old Syrian folk music and arranged it for Piano and Orchestra to present our rich heritage in a new style and form, " said Malek. His album "Echoes from Ugarit" includes more musical pieces, and it will be released in 2008. About Malek Jandali: Composer and Pianist Malek Jandali is one of Syria's most versatile and imaginative musicians. His curiosity and wide-ranging musical interests have taken him in many different directions, forging a unique career and establishing a rare reputation. Malek began his musical career as a pianist, winning the first prize at the National Young Artists' competition of Syria in 1988. Born in Germany in 1972, he started his piano studies at the Jugendmusikschule, then at the Arab Conservatory of Music and the High Institute of Music in Damascus with Vladimir Zaritski and Victor Bunin from the Moscow Conservatory. As a young child, Malek enjoyed all forms of art and at the age of 9 he appeared in his first public piano recital in his home town of Homs. Having studied classical piano from an early age, and despite his enthusiasm for the compositions of JS Bach, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff, he soon began displaying a gift of improvisation. In 1995 he received a full scholarship to the United States to pursue advanced studies in music at the North Carolina School of the Arts with Eric Larsen. Active as a performer for many years, he decided to shift his attention to composition after graduating with a BA in music from Queens University. During his studies there under Paul Nitsch, he received numerous prizes including the Stegner Foundation for the Arts Fellowship and the 1997 Outstanding Musical Performer Award. He studied composition and orchestration with Eddie Horst, Harry Bulow, Lawrence Dillon and Richard Prior. In 2004, he completed his Master Degree from the University of North Carolina. In the recording studio he has created an eclectic body of compositions. Malek has a deep interest in writing music for dramatic purposes and has often drawn upon visual images for musical inspiration. His compositions range from solo instrumental pieces to large ensemble and orchestral works. His music is dynamic, energetic and powerful, combining orchestra with piano and Arabic modes and melodies. Malek has a special interest in Arabic music where he incorporates the Arabic Maqams with Western harmony in his piano and orchestral compositions. His constantly expanding horizons have led him to become a unique composer with the ability to juxtapose oriental melodies with complex harmony to end up with an original blend of civilizations. The release of "Echoes from Ugarit" was accompanied by a hugely successful tour of the USA and the Middle East. He also experiments not only with live, acoustical instruments, but also the implementation of MIDI and electronic sounds. A prolific composer, Malek has written and produced music for corporate multimedia, video presentation and commercials. Recent projects include scoring music for an independent film, television programs and documentaries. His diverse career remains truly international, as he continues to captivate audiences in concerts throughout North America, Europe and Middle East. He has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra of Syria, played with the West End Orchestra in the U.S., and accepted the honor of performing before the presidents of Syria and Hungary. Current and future plans include tours of U.S. and Canada, the opening season of the Ludwig Orchestra in Atlanta, as well as solo performances in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and United Arab Emirates. Future recording plans and productions include solo piano music and works for violin cello and piano as well as several orchestral works for films and theater with members of the illustrious Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Malek is a member of The Recording Academy and The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He has his own business brokerage firm and lives in Atlanta. In the precious little time he has away from his office, the concert platform and his recording studio, he travels with his wife Yasmine and enjoys learning about other cultures. One of his most memorable performances was playing Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |