About Ilan Chouraki
Composer Arranger Music-Producer
“I create music for the pure joy of it,
and only then do I seek an audience.”
Ilan Chouraki: A Maestro of Sound and Vision
Ilan Chouraki, a Franco-Israeli composer and producer, has spent a lifetime crafting musical landscapes that resonate with listeners on both an emotional and intellectual level. Raised in a family steeped in music, Chouraki’s innate ability to visualize sound has been a hallmark of his career. His compositions, often described as “paintings in sound,” seamlessly blend classical influences with contemporary genres such as jazz, rock, and electronic music.
As a student at Jean-Pierre Vernant High School in the 1980s, he was immersed in a unique music program. The school’s long-standing tradition of preparing students for the Brevet de Technicien des Métiers de la Musique offered a specialized curriculum and a strong network of industry professionals. He particularly enjoyed being part of the school choir and performing at various events. The close-knit community and dedicated faculty provided an excellent cultural and musical foundation for his career in music.
After working at the prestigious IRCAM under the tutelage of Pierre Boulez, Chouraki embarked on a prolific career, writing for film, television, and stage. His unique approach to composition, which involves creating music as a visual art, has set him apart in the industry. In the 1990s, he made a significant impact on the French music scene with his innovative arrangements and productions.
In addition to his work in film and popular music, Chouraki has composed numerous chamber music pieces that have been performed by ensembles in Europe and Israel. Several of these compositions have been recorded and released on commercial recordings.
Since relocating to Israel in 2002, Chouraki has continued to create groundbreaking music. His compositions often reflect his deep connection to Jewish culture and his love for Israel. The successful film concert “iCINEMA,” a collaborative effort with his son Gabriel and conductor Zvi Carmeli, showcased the Chouraki family’s musical talents and cemented Ilan’s reputation as an arranger.
Ilan Chouraki’s music is a testament to his passion for innovation and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Whether he is composing a symphonic piece, a chamber music piece, or producing a soundtrack, his music is always characterized by its emotional depth and technical virtuosity.
Compositions:
Tyong Forgiveness is an emotionally accessible piano trio featuring sophisticated harmonies. In the spirit of postmodernism, Ilan fearlessly incorporates quotations, stylistic blends, and often, a touch of humor. This piece premiered in Jerusalem in 2017, featuring his son Gabriel on violin.
The Legend Concerto is, for Ilan, the True Story of Little Red Riding Hood. It’s a theatrical concerto grosso in which a tenor (the wolf) engages in a dialogue with a solo pianist (Little Red Riding Hood). The chorus provides a narrative backdrop. Through this concerto and a libretto by his wife Eden Chouraki, Ilan explores themes of narcissistic perversion.
La lande du Never-Never (The Heath of Never-Never) is a ballet score that reimagines the raw power of rock music.
It is not a tear is a characteristic piano piece that clearly references jazz. Composed at the request of maestro Massimiliano Valenti during his visit to Israel, the work was specifically intended for recording.
Les Trois Parisiennes for Clarinet quartet. Imagine sitting at a Parisian café, listening to the lively conversation of three women. “Les Trois Parisiennes” is a musical portrayal of this scene. Each movement of this three-part work delves into the unique personality of each woman, from the elegant and sophisticated to the witty and irreverent. With its blend of humor, sensitivity, and musical virtuosity, “Les Trois Parisiennes” is a celebration of the Parisian spirit.
Une Promenade au Jardin des Plantes invites the listener on a serene musical journey through this garden, surrounded by vibrant blooms and lush greenery. This composition is a musical meditation on the beauty of nature.
The unique combination of Bb clarinet and string quartet creates a rich and evocative soundscape. This piece weaves a tapestry of sound that captures the essence of emotions during a leisurely afternoon in this garden.
Liberté ; Mon Enfant ; Je Veux Etre un Homme are three melodies for soprano that share a common thematic cell, illuminated by ever-shifting harmonies. In the manner of Francis Poulenc, these melodies explore a range of emotional depths.
Fading of Pleasures is a new string quartet by Ilan, that had its world premiere in Umbria, Italy, performed by the Umbria Ensemble in September 2024. A recording of this work will be available soon on my YouTube channel.
Ilan’s compositions and arrangements are deeply rooted in his personal experiences and passions.
His extensive experience on stage and in recording studios has honed his skills as a music director.
A musician’s talent exists only in the ears of those who listen.
