Download The Orient West Choir

The Orient West Choir
Choir:
Fimmer Engel - soprano – DK
Rachel Yatzkan - alto - DK / Israel
Marte Schau - alto - NO
Dalia Faitelson - alto - DK / Israel
Gaute Grimeland - tenor - NO
Peter Lindeman Jørgensen - bass - DK
Orchestra:
Sameer Makhoul - oud & violin – Israel
Bilal Irshad - oud – DK / Israel
Alfred Hajar - ney flute - Israel
Itamar Deori or Jarrod Cagwin - percussion – Israel / Turkey
Thommy Andersson – cello & bass / SE
Dancer:
Shohreh Shahrzad - DK / Iran
The Orient West Choir is a modern, contemporary interpretation of the musical connections
between the three monotheistic religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Dalia Faitelson,
composer, singer and songwriter has created a personalized re-interpretation of Gregorian
chant music, mediated through Middle Eastern musical idioms and informed by Hebrew texts
and Jewish textures. Based on Gregorian chants and musical modes, the ”The Orient West
Choir” combines musicians from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Israel and Iran.
Dalia Faitelson’s Jewish background, Middle Eastern affinities, long residency in Europe and
musical resume, has placed her in a unique position to bring this project to life. The musician
Sameer Makhoul has done a wonderful job by arranging Dalia’s compositions and helping to
bring it closer to Arabic traditional music.
Gregorian chant, notated first in the 8th century under the auspice of Pope Gregory II and
consequently developed by the Catholic Church during the following 500 years, is one of the
cornerstones of Christian music. Its impact on Western classical music is invaluable and
lasted till well after the baroque period where it fell into disuse.
Dalia Faitelson has rewritten the original Latin chants into Hebrew and changed their subject
matter into forces of nature. Her aim is to convey spirituality beyond a specific religion and to
embrace the glory of nature though music. The beautiful Gregorian chant serves as a perfect
backdrop for this message and embraces its original function.
The roots and modalities of Gregorian music can be traced back to Middle Eastern roots and
ancient Jewish culture. Dalia Faitelson pays tribute to this heritage by incorporating Middle
Eastern music into her compositions, thus unifying the roots of cultures that have diversified
over the past 2000 years. Also, with respect to Dalia Faitelson’s Scandinavian residency, a tip
of the hat is given to the Nordic music traditions by choosing singers from Denmark, Norway
and Sweden. The result is a unique and remarkable project that serves to transcend cultural,
religious and political boundaries.
The aim of this project is to perform an hour-long show at various international festivals,
churches, as well as cultural and political events around the world.
For music examples please check:
http://www.daliafaitelson.com/orient_west_choir/orient_west_choir.html