Entertainment

Hadestown Ruled the Broadway in 2019

Published

5 years ago

January 5, 2020

Hadestown is the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, told in this day and age. It dominated the Broadway 8 times a week. There is a reason why it became so loved and watched by the audience. Anaïs Mitchell, the composer of this production has taken her tale of Hadestown — an idea that came to her from DIY upstart to concept album to full-fledged theatrical production. It stands out because of its contemporary touch, and it deals with problems which are relatable to the audience.

The production deals with present-day concerns like anti-immigration rhetoric and the #MeToo movement with songs like “Why We Build the Wall” and “Hey, Little Songbird.” There are also themes of wealth disparity and climate change in the Broadway production. Mitchell mentioned that all these occurrences were not deliberate. And one of the interesting facts is that the show evolved over the part 13 years, and it is what it is through the growth.

The great thing about Hadestown is how it inculcated the music into itself. Mitchell mentioned how at the earlier stage of production there were times that the show had gaps in the between. After each scene the production felt haphazard and was all over the place. But with relevant songs, now it feels like there is a linear progress.

Unlike other directors, Mitchell works on guitar when she feels inspired, rather than working on piano. Her music is mostly influenced by folk songs and traditional music, particularly from the British Isles. That’s why her music has a folksy feel even when it is based on an ancient myth.

She talks about Orpheus and how he is a character that is parallel to today’s youth. He starts up by striving for a world he believes could exist. But by the end of the journey he has lost his innocence. And he is saved when he realizes everyone has the same journey. That’s why audience love the show, and that is why Hadestown tickets become sold so easily, because they feel connected to the character somehow.

Entertainment

Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ to Enchant Paris in an Evening of Musical Unity

Published

2 days ago

September 5, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo Credit: Daniel Topic

Byline: Katreen David

It’s no secret that music holds the power to enchant people. Ears hear the melodies and every fiber of the soul feels them, especially when the message behind the musical notes conveys a call for world peace.

“In times of turmoil, music has always been our refuge, where we find solace and the courage to hope. This is what inspired ‘Concerto for Peace,’” reflects Omar Harfouch, the world-renowned pianist and composer who will bring “Concerto for Peace” to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

When he isn’t busy producing classical melodies with every keystroke of his piano, Harfouch can be found redefining what it means to blend art and activism. His upcoming “Concerto for Peace,” set to premiere on September 18, 2024, promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an evocative call to unity, a symphonic plea for a world yearning to heal.

Just 48 hours after enchanting Paris with the concerto, Omar Harfouch will take the stage at the United Nations in Geneva to deliver the “Concerto for Peace” once more. This remarkable performance is set to be a highlight of the World Music Conference, coinciding with the global observance of World Peace Day on September 20.

A Symphony as a Statement

Omar Harfouch is no stranger to the power of music as a transformative force. With a career that’s as much about melodic innovation as it is about social impact, Harfouch’s latest work, “Concerto for Peace,” encapsulates his belief that music can be both recreational and revolutionary. As 2024 sees the rise of art with a cause, Harfouch’s concert stands out for its musical mastery and bold message.

“This isn’t just about notes on a page,” Harfouch explains. “It’s about creating a space where every listener, regardless of background, can feel part of something larger—a movement toward peace, one note at a time.”

In a world where philanthropy is increasingly woven into the heart of the arts, Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace” reflects a growing trend where music serves as a catalyst for change. The performance, featuring the Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mathieu Bonnin, is set to be a defining moment in this movement.

The Pulse of 2024: Music with Purpose

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the intersection of art and advocacy has never been more pronounced. The global music industry is seeing an unprecedented convergence with philanthropic efforts. Artists are not just creating for the sake of creation; they are crafting experiences that resonate with the world’s most pressing issues.

Omar Harfouch stands on the frontlines of this shift. “Concerto for Peace” is emblematic of a broader movement where art becomes a form of protest, a medium for messages that words alone can’t convey.

“Music has this incredible ability to reach where words often fail,” Harfouch reflects. “In every melody, there’s a story. In every crescendo, a call to action.”

An Artistic Tribute to Roots and Responsibility

The story behind one of Harfouch’s most famous compositions is a tale from his childhood. This is primarily why the upcoming Paris performance is also deeply personal for Harfouch. Among the pieces featured is “Tripoli,” a composition that serves as a musical homage to his birthplace.

With its intricate blend of cultural motifs and personal history, this piece adds a profound layer of authenticity to the concert. To that effect, it becomes an artistic expression fueled by his personal journey.

“Tripoli is more than just a city to me—it’s a symbol of resilience, of the beauty that can emerge from hardship,” says Harfouch. “Through this piece, I’m sharing a part of myself, my history, and my hope for the future.”

Another key highlight is “Save One Life, You Save Humanity,” a composition that spotlights Harfouch’s belief in the power of individual action. In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into broader societal change, this piece serves as both a reminder and an inspiration.

A Crescendo of Hope

As the “Concerto for Peace” prepares to echo through the streets of Paris, Omar Harfouch is reflective yet resolute. “We live in a world that’s constantly changing, constantly challenging us,” he says. “But in music, we find a constant—a reminder that beauty, harmony, and peace are always within our reach if only we’re brave enough to listen.”

For Harfouch, this concert is the culmination of months of work and proof of the enduring power of art to reflect the world, comfort the world, and change the world.

The “Concerto for Peace” is bound to leave behind a lasting impact—a reminder that, in the grand symphony of life, every voice matters, and every note counts.