Beirut (2025)

Program Notes

Beirut is built on the interplay between sound and silence, chaos and endurance. The piece follows a simple structure: a full orchestra chord lasting one bar, followed by a bar of rest. Gradually, these rests fill with sharp gestures reminiscent of car horns. As the piece progresses, the honking begins to invade the orchestral chords, and the texture grows increasingly dense. By the end, all winds and brass join the honking concerto, while the strings remain resilient, holding on to their chord. Harmonically, Beirut draws on microtonal materials inspired by Arabic maqāmāt, blending Arabic and Western sound worlds. This cultural fusion creates a novel listening experience. The result is a musical portrait of the Lebanese capital — a city where chaos has a rhythm, and endurance leads to harmony.