Commissioned by and recorded with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Krešimir Batinić, conductor on February 8, 2016 at The American Academy of Arts and Letters in New York City.

World Premiere at Carnegie Hall on February 6, 2016 with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Krešimir Batinić, conductor.

The Story of Luminosity:

In October 2012, I traveled to Northern Syria to meet with children who had been displaced from their homes and were forced to live in makeshift camps. These children were sleeping in tents with no heat or running water. Their schools had been destroyed and they were living in the most difficult of conditions.

Late one evening we were making our way to the next camp and came across a group of children. In the dark of night, they were chanting. Chanting for freedom and a peaceful future and calling for an end to the dictatorship and oppression that had forced them to leave their homes and schools. There was no one there to see or hear them, yet that did not stop them from raising their voices high. In pitch darkness they created their own light, the light of their courage, optimism and hope. It is this light that inspired Symphony No. 2 Luminosity.

My hope is that my music can be a voice for these children who were chanting alone in the dark and that their light will be a beacon for us all, for peace and humanity.

Symphony No. 2 in B minor | Luminosity

The beginning of the 20th century is perhaps the best period in the history of music. The musical language of this work was oriented on this period, maybe with a flavor of Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881 – 1950). Luminosity is written for a chamber orchestra, and although there are fewer instruments, there are more colors that are explored and the resulting sound is one of a unique symphony orchestra. The limited number of instruments turned out to be a blessing, with this tension itself leading to interesting results. As always in chamber music, the most expressive moments are in the details.

The intention was to compose this work as a symphony, not as just a piece in one movement for an ensemble, but a fully loaded sonata-symphony cycle in four movements:

I Moderato
II Scherzo 
III Andante 
IV Allegro

Each movement highlights different maqams (modes) that derive their names from different stops and regions along the Silk Road. By integrating ancient and traditional melodies with the Western symphony structure, this symphony is an attempt to preserve the rich musical heritage of Syria, especially that of Aleppo, at a time when humanity is witnessing the eradication of the cradle of civilization.

The first movement is a Sonata Allegro, but not the typical form of a Sonata with a slow introduction, huge exposition and without reprise. Instead of a reprise, it contains a Coda with the sound of a ticking clock.

The second movement is a vivid Scherzo in the rondo form. The third movement is an Adagio, a lyrical climax of the cycle. One can hear the introduction of the first movement in a softer, gentler treatment. The fourth movement, the Finale, ends the symphony with a huge, epic climax.

“Heart-rending melodies, lush orchestration, clever transitions and creative textures.” 
~ American Record Guide

“A major new addition to the 21st century’s symphonic literature.”
~ Fanfare Magazine