Kareem Roustom
„Dabke“ for string orchestra
„Hurry To The Light“ for women's voices and string orchestra
„Hushed“ for mixed choir and string orchestra, world premiere!
„Three Prayers For The Great Lent“ for mixed choir
„I Passed By Bethlehem“ for mixed choir, oud and string orchestra

 

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
Conductor Tõnu Kaljuste

 

A “moment of understanding” is the central feeling that unites these five works by Syrian-American-Canadian Kareem Roustom. Inspired by profound personal experiences, these moments of inner realization and spiritual clarity arise through feeling rather than thinking — through silence, spiritual seeking, love, or pure joy.

Roustom’s music reflects diverse sources: Saint Augustine’s Confessions, Homer’s Odyssey, Orthodox prayers, the experience of Mary, and the Middle Eastern folk dance dabke . Augustine’s mystical text reveals a moment that can only be felt; Penelope’s recognition of Odysseus in The Odyssey is another such moment. In Three Prayers For The Great Lent, self-understanding comes through humility and reflection, while I Passed By Bethlehem expresses Mary’s mixture of joy and apprehension. In Dabke, there are no words — only rhythm, movement, and joy in the moment.

In these vividly expressive works, Middle Eastern musical traditions merge with Western classical music. This is music that cannot be fully put into words—it can only be experienced and felt.

The concert has no intermission and lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.


The producers of the concert: Tallinn Philharmonic Society and the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.