Duo BoMi: The classical music of Lebanon and Kurdistan takes root in Quebec

Interview by Frédéric Cardin
Genres and styles : Classical

Additional Information

Artists who create a meaningful project during the pandemic, there have been many, and it is very fortunate because it is the best example of the transcendent power of Art: turning the worst into a springboard for the best. The pianists of the BoMi duo, the Quebecois Michel-Alexandre Broekaert and Boran Zaza (of Kurdish origin), are of this kind. It was during the lockdown that the couple had the idea to play the music of composers from West Asia (commonly known as the Middle East), Lebanon, Kurdistan, Iran, etc., and to make it the heart of a concert program that also includes Ravel, Fazil Say, Khachaturian, Massenet, etc. The pandemic over, the first concerts were given and, with success on their side, they continued. Then, to have a little something to offer the audience, the duo has just released a short album, an EP, titled Du Liban au Kurdistan, which brings together compositions by the Lebanese Maurice Ghanem and the Kurdish composer Brahim Shexo. An album of beautiful melodies, little known here, and which I reviewed elsewhere on the site.

CHECK OUT THE REVIEW OF THE ALBUM DU LIBAN AU KURDISTAN

In order to shed some light on the initiative undertaken, on the works of these lesser-known composers, and on their love for piano duets, I met with Michel-Alexandre and Boran. Here is the interview:

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