Samy Moussa: From Montreal to the World Stage – A Composer’s Urgent Rise & Bach Festival Debut
MONTREAL, QC – A name once whispered within Quebec’s musical circles is now echoing across concert halls globally. Composer and conductor Samy Moussa, a Montreal native now based in Berlin, is experiencing a meteoric rise, with his works commanding performances from Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw to Vienna’s Musikverein. This breaking news comes as Moussa prepares for a significant homecoming: the Quebec premiere of his trombone concerto, “Yericho,” and his debut as conductor at the prestigious Bach Montreal International Festival.
The ‘Yericho’ Concerto: A Biblical Echo Across Continents
Just four years after its premiere at the Sagrada Familia, Moussa’s orchestral piece, Elysium, is slated for approximately thirty performances by next May alone. But it’s his 2023 trombone concerto, “Yericho,” that’s truly capturing attention. Commissioned by Jörgen Van Rijen, solo trombonist of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, “Yericho” has already resonated with audiences in Lyon, Toronto, and Dallas. Now, it’s James Box, the solo trombone of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM), who will bring the work to life in Montreal on November 21st.
Moussa describes the trombone as an instrument possessing “a very noble sound, but which is also capable of virtuosity, which has been little exploited by composers in general.” The concerto’s instrumentation is equally distinctive – a smaller, yet powerful orchestra notably lacking woodwinds and trombones, but featuring the resonant depth of an organ. The title, “Yericho,” draws inspiration from the biblical story of the walls of Jericho falling, mirroring the concerto’s structure with its ritualistic seven-day, seven-tube motif.
Beyond the Score: A Composer’s Philosophy & Conducting Roots
While the intensity of the music might suggest a commentary on contemporary anxieties, Moussa firmly rejects the notion of his work as a sociological statement. “I do not make a journalistic or sociological comment of my time. I don’t interest me. Anyway, I don’t think it’s the role of my work, my art,” he asserts. His focus remains purely on the musical expression itself, a dedication to artistic honesty that defines his creative process.
This dedication extends to his burgeoning career as a conductor. Moussa, who began conducting at the age of 14, sees it as an integral part of his musical identity, even if it’s been pursued with less intensity than composition. He recently led the Milan Symphony Orchestra through Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 alongside performances of his own compositions, demonstrating a versatility that’s quickly establishing him as a force on the podium.
The Bach Montreal International Festival & A Future Forged on Freedom
Moussa’s upcoming role at the Bach Montreal International Festival, conducting Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elias on November 20th and 21st, marks a significant milestone. He approaches his work with a resolute independence, stating, “I do what I want. I try to be a free person and I choose to compose when I want the works I want, and to direct when I want.” This commitment to artistic freedom, he believes, is the responsibility of every artist – to remain true to their vision and resist external pressures.
Samy Moussa’s story is a testament to the power of artistic vision and unwavering dedication. As he prepares to share his unique voice with audiences in Montreal and beyond, the world is watching – and listening – with growing anticipation. Don’t miss the premiere of “Concerto pour trombone” on November 21st at the opening of the 19th Edition of the Bach Montreal International Festival.
Learn more about the concert and the Bach Montreal International Festival.
