In this episode of Quartertones, we're joined by Palestinian composer and musician, Issa Boulos who tells us about his deep connection to Jerusalem and Palestine, and how his upbringing influenced his approach to music and life. Boulos recounts his unique experiences growing up in a small town, his family's musical traditions, and the cultural life in Ramallah. He delves into the evolution of Palestinian resistance music from 1967 onwards, sharing insights about key musical acts and their impact. He also reflects on his imprisonment, the intricate relationship between music and political resistance, and his subsequent move to the United States, where he pursued his studies in music composition and ethnomusicology, and continued to document the Palestinian narrative through his work. The conversation explores Boulos's bold approach to integrating Middle Eastern musical elements with Western orchestration, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity and representation.
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Early Life and Connection to Palestine
02:41 Musical Family and Cultural Influences
07:19 Palestinian Resistance Music and Popular Acts
17:43 Challenges and Political Expression in Music
27:53 Life in the US and Continued Musical Journey
29:03 Returning to College
31:37 The Drive to Compose Music
33:21 Documenting the Palestinian Narrative
34:37 Prison Experience as a Musician
38:16 Musical Reflections from Prison
49:06 Cultural Integration in Music
01:03:03 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Issa Boulos is an internationally recognized composer, lyricist, and ethnomusicologist known for blending traditional instruments with modern composition. His work spans orchestral, chamber, and vocal music, with commissions from major ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Silk Road Ensemble. He has composed for films, plays, and musicals, earning acclaim in the US, the Middle East, and Europe. Boulos holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from Leiden University and has taught at the University of Chicago. He co-founded the Qatar Music Academy and currently manages the Harper College Community Music and Arts Center while serving as adjunct music faculty.
Connect with Boulos 👉 https://www.instagram.com/issaboulos/
Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
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