Draft:Houtaf Khoury

Houtaf Khoury (Arabic: هتاف خوري; born 1967) is a Lebanese composer,^[1] pianist, and music educator renowned for synthesizing Western classical traditions with Middle Eastern musical elements. His compositions, often reflecting themes of conflict, displacement, and resilience, position him as a leading figure in contemporary Arab classical music.^[2][3]

Khoury was born in Tripoli, Lebanon. He began his musical training in Lebanon before pursuing advanced studies in Ukraine, where he earned a Ph.D. in musicology and composition from the Kyiv Conservatory (now the National Music Academy of Ukraine).^[4] Under the mentorship of Eastern European composers, he developed a foundation in symphonic and chamber music, which deeply influenced his later works.^[5][6]

Khoury's repertoire spans symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and vocal pieces. Notable compositions include:

• Symphony No. 3 "Time of Fear"
• String Quartet No. 3 "Douleur de l'Instant"
• Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
• Trio for Piano, Violin, and Cello^[7][8]

His works, characterized by emotional depth and political undertones, frequently address the Lebanese Civil War and broader Middle Eastern turmoil.^[9] Internationally performed by ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, his music is recorded by labels including Naxos and Grand Piano Records.^[10][11][12]

Khoury serves as a professor of composition and music theory at the Lebanese University, mentoring emerging musicians.^[13] In 2022, he co-founded Aazafoun, a professional wind ensemble in Tripoli aimed at revitalizing Lebanon's cultural landscape amid economic crises. The ensemble comprises 17 musicians and emphasizes artistic resilience.^[14][15][16]

Khoury's style merges Romantic lyricism, modernist techniques, and Eastern modal systems, creating a cross-cultural dialogue.^[17] Influences range from Gustav Mahler and Dmitri Shostakovich to Arabic maqam and Lebanese folk traditions.^[18] He describes his music as a response to "chaos and despair," striving to find beauty in adversity.

Widely celebrated in the Arab world and beyond, Khoury's contributions have been featured by media outlets such as Al Jazeera, MTV Lebanon, and The New Arab.^[19][20][21] Critics praise his ability to balance raw emotion with structural sophistication, cementing his status as a pivotal voice in 21st-century classical music.^[22]

• Houtaf Khoury on Naxos
• Google Site
• Reviews
• Official YouTube Channel