World Premiered by Katherine Cheng	(violin) and Jeongmin Oak (piano) Kilbourn	Hall,	Eastman	School of Music Rochester,	NY | 
Friday, November	22,	2024

Program Notes:

“Tea with Debussy & Pärt in Casablanca” is a musical dream born from a vacation in Havana, Cuba. This piece imagines an encounter with the esteemed composers Arvo Pärt and Claude Debussy in the vibrant city of Casablanca, over Moroccan tea. It is not an imitation of their styles but rather a heartfelt conversation between us, infused with elements of both composers’ musical languages. Originally commissioned by Vincent Delorme for viola and piano, the piece was premiered in Montreal. The clarinet version, performed by double Grammy-nominated clarinetist Tasha Warren and pianist Yun Hao, premiered at the Mostly Modern Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY, in June 2024. Katherine Cheng, inspired by both the clarinet version and her experience performing in the sextet premiere of the first movement of my Suite “Moroccan Dances,” felt a strong connection to my compositional style. Her expressive playing and nuanced interpretation are well-suited to the music’s blend of minimalist and impressionistic elements. Katherine’s excitement about this collaboration led to the creation of this violin and piano version, marking the beginning of our artistic partnership. The piece begins with minimalist touches, a nod to Pärt’s recent works, where the piano introduces serene arpeggios that intertwine with expressive violin melodies. As the music progresses, it incorporates Debussy’s harmonic richness, weaving a tapestry of sound that captures the essence of typical Moroccan conversations—dynamic, lively, and filled with unexpected turns.

Tea with Debussy and Pärt in Casablanca for Violin and Piano - World Premiere

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Tea with Debussy and Pärt in Casablanca for Violin and Piano - World Premiere

Simon Alami Composer