About:

Mohammed Fairouz, born on November 1, 1985, is an American composer renowned for his prolific output and engagement with contemporary social and political themes. Educated at the New England Conservatory and the Curtis Institute of Music, he studied under esteemed composers such as Gunther Schuller, Halim El-Dabh, and John Heiss . Fairouz’s diverse catalog spans opera, symphonies, choral works, and chamber music, reflecting his commitment to blending Western classical traditions with Middle Eastern musical elements. 

A hallmark of Fairouz’s work is his integration of literary and philosophical texts, often addressing themes of cultural identity and conflict. His third symphony, Poems and Prayers, interweaves texts from Arab poets like Mahmoud Darwish and Fadwa Tuqan with those of Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai, alongside traditional prayers, to explore the complexities of Middle Eastern narratives. Another notable work, his fourth symphony In the Shadow of No Towers, inspired by Art Spiegelman’s graphic novel, reflects on American life post-9/11 and premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2013.

Fairouz’s compositions have been performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, and have been recorded on labels including Deutsche Grammophon, Naxos, and Bridge Records . His collaborations with poets like Seamus Heaney and Wayne Koestenbaum, and performers such as Kate Lindsey and Anthony Roth Costanzo, underscore his dedication to vocal music and textual expression. Currently residing in New York City, Fairouz continues to contribute to the contemporary classical music landscape through both composition and education. 

Sources:

https://mohammedfairouz.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Fairouz

https://www.fordfoundation.org/about/the-art-of-change-meet-our-fellows/mohammed-fairouz/

Purchase Scores:

https://mohammedfairouz.com/works/music/