Entertainment

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

Published

10 months 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.

Entertainment

MiG Arogan: The Haitian Powerhouse Behind the Spiritual Anthem “Moon Under Me”

Published

20 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

MiG Arogan has firmly established himself as a commanding force in the music industry, bringing the weight and depth of Haitian culture and spirituality into the spotlight with his powerful track “Moon Under Me.” This song is not simply a musical creation; it is a bold spiritual declaration and a vivid expression of ancestral strength rooted in Haitian Vodou tradition.

Hailing from Haiti, MiG Arogan combines contemporary rap energy with rich cultural symbolism, carving a unique space where music meets ritual. “Moon Under Me” stands as a testament to this fusion, drawing deeply from the Vodou pantheon of Lwa (spirits) to convey protection, power, and fearlessness.

The song’s hook centers around the presence of Mama performing the sacred work “with the moon under me,” a metaphor for hidden spiritual forces guiding and empowering the artist. Papa Legba, the revered gatekeeper of the spiritual crossroads, “opens doors I don’t see,” symbolizing MiG’s access to realms and protections invisible to others. This connection to Legba asserts a profound control over paths both physical and metaphysical.

Further spiritual guardians emerge in the lyrics: Kalfou, the fierce spirit of crossroads and chaos, “waiting at the edge with heat,” ready to defend or attack; Baron Samedi and Baron Kriminel, powerful death spirits who “laugh when your blood hit street,” representing MiG’s untouchable status backed by forces of life and death. These spirits signal that crossing MiG Arogan or disrespecting his heritage comes with grave consequences.

The song also invokes Erzuli, embodying love, beauty, and pride, along with Simbi, the wise serpent spirit guiding MiG’s style and movement. Ogou, the warrior spirit, tests and arms him, while Damballa offers calm wisdom and balance. The mention of Granne Brigitte, the fierce protector, and the other spirits completes a powerful spiritual armor surrounding the artist.

“Moon Under Me” goes beyond conventional music; MiG Arogan describes himself as “no rapper, I’m a ritual in boots,” emphasizing the song’s ceremonial and mystical weight. The imagery of candles, chants, incense, and spirits evokes authentic Vodou ceremonies that infuse the track with genuine ancestral energy.

By weaving these sacred names and symbols into his lyrics, MiG Arogan not only asserts his own power but elevates Haitian Vodou from misunderstood superstition to a living, respected tradition. His message is clear: “Play with Haitians — that’s the wrong belief.” It’s a warning and a proclamation — the strength of his roots and spiritual backing make him untouchable, commanding respect from all who hear his voice.

With “Moon Under Me,” MiG Arogan asserts a profound cultural and spiritual identity. His music becomes a vessel for ancestral power, a declaration that the Haitian spirit is fierce, unbreakable, and very much alive in him. This song stands as an anthem for strength, heritage, and the unstoppable force that MiG Arogan represents in today’s music and culture landscape.