The profound emotional impact of the September 8, 2023 earthquake in Morocco inspired this composition as a tribute to the victims and a celebration of the nation’s rich musical heritage. Initially conceived as a sextet, the piece was premiered on June 9th by the American Modern Ensemble under the baton of Eric Bodnar. It subsequently underwent a transformative journey when my friend and fellow composer, Ian Weise, proposed an adaptation for Pierrot ensemble during the Mostly Modern Festival in Saratoga Springs, June 2024. His vision of a 2025 concert featuring this arrangement ignited a new creative path.

This piece stands as the inaugural movement of a larger suite exploring the multifaceted layers of Moroccan musical tradition, with a particular focus on the evocative melodies of the High Atlas. By reinterpreting these melodies through the unique lens of the Pierrot ensemble—flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano—I seek to create a contemporary musical dialogue that honors the past while forging a new path forward.

Through this composition, I hope to offer a poignant and evocative musical experience that resonates with listeners on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Moroccan Dances - I Hight Atlas The Majestic (Pierrot Ensemble Pre-Release Version)

Simon Alami is a Canadian composer with a passion for blending different musical styles and traditions. He draws inspiration from master composers. Simon's compositional style is characterized by a fusion of diverse elements and a willingness to experiment with new forms of expression. He currently lives in Montreal, Canada and is a proud member of the Canadian League of Composers (CLC), Canadian Music Center CMC and SOCAN.

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