Being an artist of the 21st century is a challenge. It is a different challenge than the ones of the past, however. While some say we live amidst a freefall, I cannot agree in any way. We live in an artistically free world that, like democracy, might seem tiring, too eclectic, and ambiguous. However, it is our responsibility to mold an informed input of our own and contribute to shaping the global culture, and it is worth every try and effort. We are fortunate to operate in a unique setting in Western art history, which allows us to draw influences from practically anything without being culturally oppressed. The current environment allows every group of artists to participate in and every culture to come forth. The audiences can select from a variety of choices as they are not being over-served with trends. Ultimately, the good and bad everlasting clash in arts is now focused on aspects that matter more. Regardless of their aesthetics, artists can focus more on what and how they communicate their visions.
As a composer, I gained a deep understanding of what musical art is: a means of communication in which clarity is essential to a successful outcome. I communicate my nurtured and ever-evolving visions via three essential vehicles – creating, performing, and educating. I firmly believe that all of the three form a well-roundedly sophisticated mature artist.
Creating has become the most prominent activity for me, yet it is not restricted to music solely. I am a passionate creator of various projects that bring communities together and expose them to new experiences and opportunities. As I am not alone in this endeavor, enough opportunities lead to a resolution where one may perform. Performing is perhaps the most indispensable and consequential element of creation. Without performance, no musical work would be heard. To communicate the composer’s message and enhance it through one’s organic interpretation requires a deep understanding of each work’s multifaceted aspects achievable by one’s curiosity towards education. Institutionalized, how it may seem, a complex education may have many faces, yet all contain curiosity and humility at every phase. I love to share my insights and passion with others as much as I love to learn from them reciprocally. Receiving a profound education and mentorship may necessarily lead to providing heartfelt guidance that allows a student artist to thrive and be inspired. Studying, performing, and creating without inspiration is like being a degustator without gustatory cells.
Ultimately, I consider the communication of a work to be successful when the magical triangle of a connection between, initially, the composer, performer, and consequently the listener has been achieved. In those moments, the concert venue is always being transformed into a very memorable and unique moment. One cannot exist without another, which is not to say that a piece of a musical work ought to speak to everyone.
