The rise of a gifted pianist : Johnny Hachem: Johnny has performed his compositions as a soloist at several concerts and international festivals in Ukraine, Lebanon, Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, England, Spain, Poland, Romania, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Belarus, South Korea, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. He has also composed the music of many films, most notably the documentary film by Carmen Labaki: “I Knocked on the Temple’s Door”. To his name, he has a piano concerto, clarinet concerto, Violin concerto and a large variety of instrumental and orchestral compositions that have been performed in Europe & the Middle East. Discover even more information on https://en.everybodywiki.com/Johnny_Hachem.
Simplicity. In some cases less is more and silence can be the loudest instrument. Yet, it feels many can’t bear the idea of multi-layered compositions where there is a dialogue and sometimes unisound other times cacophonic togetherness. Instead, blunt overspeaking and emphasizes rule both contemporary pop/rock and easy listening compositions. Where and how can we find the true resonance in a musical piece? Johnny HachemJohnny Hachem: This is a very interesting question and can’t be answered shortly but what I want to say, for me, it always depends on the beauty of the music. You can listen to a very complicated musical composition which can easily enter into the ears of the audience due to its beauty. I will also talk about Rachmaninov here who composed the most difficult piano concertos in history, but everyone loves those concertos because they are amazingly beautiful. As for myself, every piece must be unique and must reflect a certain story – and it can be very simple but beautiful and deep at the same time. Jacob & Rachel is not a complicated orchestral piece and you can always hear the beautiful love melodies inside. Also, it has won an international award because I could make the combination between the simplicity and uniqueness at the same time.
As for learning piano and music composition, Johnny got his training from the Lebanese higher Conservatory of Music and earned a master’s degree with distinction. Since then, there has been no looking back for him. In fact, Johnny has been composing for more than 20 years and has produced music for orchestras and chamber music. Moreover, many symphony orchestras have been playing his compositions on the stages in various countries across the world.
What musical instruments would you take with you on a travel to Mars? Johnny Hachem: Harmonica! It’s my second instrument after the piano. Back to Earth: what is the role of a composer, songwriter, perfomer these days? Is it only to be a jester or a bard? Or is there more to it, for example using the stage to stand for others? Johnny Hachem: I believe the role of music is much greater than entertaining people. In my opinion, different messages should be spread through music to defend specific causes or to help society. So, I always say that talent alone is not enough; a musician – and artist as well- should have a certain vision that gives sense and value to his music.
Johnny has performed his compositions world-wide in countries including, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Spain, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. His most notable work include his composition for the documentary film I Knocked on the Temple’s Door by Carmen Labaki, and also for composing “The Fourth Watch”, which was performed by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in December 2014 and “The Battle of Siddim” performed by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2017 and by “Lublin Philharmonic orchestra”, Poland in October 2017.
He is a very talented musician who has composed music for several films, including the award-winning documentary by Carmen Labaki: “I Knocked on The Temple’s Door”. To name just some of his work he also wrote piano concertos as well clarinet and violin pieces among others that have been performed around Europe & the Middle East. Johnny Hachem’s music is like a window to his soul. The way he sees things, the feelings that are evoked in people by his compositions – it all comes through so clearly and with such honesty of expression because Johnny himself has been there before you know.