Kareem Roustom (1971)

„Hurry To The Light“
I Intrada – Penelope
II Circe’s Instructions to Odysseus
III Penelope & the Phantom
IV The Sirens
V Anticlea – The Ghost of Odysseys’ Mother
VI Interlude (Penelope questions Odysseus)
VII The Reunion of Penelope & Odysseus
Soloists Yena Choi (soprano) ja Cätly Talvik (alto)

INTERMISSION

„Three Prayers For The Great Lent“
I Lenten Prayer
Soloist Birke Elisabeth Jakobson (soprano)

„Hushed“, world premiere

„Dabke“ (2014)

„I Passed By Bethlehem“
Soloist Kareem Roustom (oud)

 

 

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 an intermission and lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.


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