‘Zad Moultaka & Ensemble Mezwej - La Passion d'Adonis’

“Our earth has been set on fire. Our roots are being ripped up. Our future is drowning in indifference” – Zad Moultaka

Composer Zad Moultaka found inspiration for The passion of Adonis in the poetry of the now 86-year-old world famous Syrian poet Adonis, an almost ritual, meditative performance which brings together words and music. Moultaka made a recording of Adonis as he read from his collection Al Kitab (The book). Even though they were written 20 years ago, the violent situation in the Middle East was already palpable in this poetry.  Moultaka finds the theme for his composition in Adonis’ powerful and melodious recital, summed up as a journey through obscurity, an oratorio for the devastated Syria.  On stage, opera star Amel Brahim-Djelloul and a trio of top musicians enter into dialogue with the voice of Adonis. Composer and visual artist Zad Moultaka lives and works in Paris. Following a successful career as a pianist, from 1993 he decided to focus his energies on composing. In 2004 he set up the Ensemble Mezwej. Zad Moultaka will represent Lebanon at the upcoming Venice Biennale.