PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS SHARES NINTH EPISODE FROM NEW PODCAST: MUSICAL MINDS AND MISSIONS (M³)
PODCAST SUMMARY
LISTEN TODAY:
SHADES OF NIGHT: KAREEM ROUSTOM AND THE MEMORY OF SOUND
Composer Kareem Roustom’s Shades of Night draws from Syrian folk traditions, Arabic poetry, Monteverdi, dance, exile, and the layered experience of migration n this exquisite collection of new works.
Joined by Justin DeFilippis of Balourdet Quartet, Roustom discusses the string quartet as both a deeply personal and demanding medium, the role of microtones and memory in his music, and how ancient histories and present-day displacement echo through this powerful new album.
THE ARTISTS
Composer Kareem Roustom
Syrian American Kareem Roustom is an Emmy-nominated composer whose genre-crossing collaborations include music commissioned by conductor Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, the Kronos Quartet, arrangements for pop icons Shakira and Tina Turner, and collaboration with acclaimed British choreographer Shobana Jeyasingh. Most recently, Roustom continued his collaboration with the Grammy award winning Estonian conductor, Tonu Kaljuste, and the renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
Balourdet Quartet
Angela Bae, Violin (Violin 1 on Tracks 5-13); Justin DeFilippis, Violin (Violin 1 on Tracks 1-4 and 17-20); Benjamin Zannoni, Viola; Russell Houston, Cello
Balourdet Quartet has been acclaimed for its vibrant energy and emotional depth — described as creating “a world where memory and transformation coexist … one in which clarity of line and finely judged color matter as much as expressive warmth.” An ensemble unafraid to show its personality, Balourdet engages communities in ways that “inspire their creativity” (The Seattle Times) a core part of Balourdet’s mission. Founded in 2018, in the spirit of friendship and mutual love of food. To learn more, visit balourdetquartet.com.
EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks, Violin (Gnizo)
A versatile violinist, traditional fiddler, and artist premiering new works, EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks brings a unique voice to the music world. As a teacher, EmmaLee helps young musicians find their own voice and confidence in the music world in her violin studio and her position at UMass Dartmouth.
Piero Guimaraes, Percussion (Gnizo)
Piero Guimaraes is a leading international percussionist specializing in orchestral and contemporary music. A member of Iktus Percussion Quartet and Verdant Vibes, Guimaraes teaches and performs with ensembles in Rhode Island Philharmonic and throughout New England.
ALBUM CREDITS
Performed by: Balourdet Quartet
(Angela Bae, Violin 1 & 2; Justin DeFilippis, Violin 1 & 2; Benjamin Zannoni, Viola; Russell Houston, Cello; EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks, Violin (Gnizo); Piero Guimaraes, percussion (Gnizo)
Composer: Kareem Roustom
Recorded in 2023 at Futura Productions, Roslindale, MA
Produced & Edited: Kareem Roustom & John Weston
Production Coordinator: Stephen Prutsman
Recording Engineer: John Weston
Assistant Engineer: Chris Wilson
Gnizo recorded in 2023 at Distler Hall, Tufts University’s Department of Music
Recording Engineer: Peter Atkinson
Mixing & Mastering: John Weston at Futura Productions, Roslindale, MA
Album Art & Design: Kevork Mourad
Graphic Design: Chris Kornmann
Liner notes: Atom Egoyan and Mary Kouyoumdjian
FOR PHENOTYPIC PODCASTS
Podcast Host: Sarah Cahill
Podcast Producer: AJ Machado
FOR PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS
Michael Hostetler, Founder & CEO
Stephen Prutsman, Creative Director
Cristin Canterbury Bagnall for BroadBand Collaborative, Fractional COO
Mary Paz Cubero Navarro, Director of Product Development and Strategic Partnerships
K. E. Sekararum, Podcast Executive Producer
Aryahi Naomi Onaga, Operations Specialist
Lisa Takemoto, Project Manager
Justin J. Holden, Copy Editor
Christopher Kornmann for Spit + Image, Art Direction & Graphic Design
ABOUT PHENOTYPIC RECORDINGS
Phenotypic Recordings is a media company that brings to light new music by world-class musicians and innovative composers, with a focus on music that highlights the most important issues facing the world today. Artists include Kronos Quartet, Osvaldo Golijov, Kenji Bunch, (MoVE) MoVE (Modern Violin Ensemble), W4RP and more. As another way of amplifying artistic voices, Phenotypic Recordings donates revenue from streaming and downloads to support humanitarian causes identified by the artists making the music.
For more information about Phenotypic Recordings, visit phenotypicrecordings.com
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For more information, please contact
Krista Williams, Christopher Emond or Carla Sacks at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.