Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 8 p.m.Naji Hakim
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 · 8 p.m.
The Mystery and Art of Improvisation
Dominique de Menil Lecture
Location: Stude Concert Hall, Alice Pratt Brown Hall (building 13 on the campus map)
Naji Subhy Paul Irénée Hakim is among the few elite contemporary inheritors of the great tradition of composer--organist--improvisers established by, among others, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Bruckner and Messiaen. His charismatic improvisations and compositions combine influences ranging from Stravinsky and Gershwin to Gregorian chant and Lebanese folkloric music and are characterized by complex rhythms and brilliant harmonies.
Hakim’s Presidential Lecture on Oct. 6 will be followed by two organ concerts, including improvisations, on Oct. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m., on the Edythe Bates Old Grand Organ at the Shepherd School of Music. The concerts are free, but reservations should be made by calling 713-348-8000. The lecture does not require reservations.
Born in Beirut, Hakim completed his music and engineering studies in Paris. After
winning many first prizes and awards for composition, organ performance and improvisation, he became the organist of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre in 1985 and was chosen by Olivier Messiaen to succeed him in 1993 at the Église de la Sainte-Trinité. He is currently a professor of musical analysis at the Conservatoire National de Boulogne-Billancourt, a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music and a composer-in-residence at the Trinity College of Music in London.
