About Ilan Chouraki
Compositer Arranger
“I create music for the pure joy of it, and only then do I seek an audience.”
A Franco-Israeli composer born in 1963, Ilan Chouraki is a musical polymath whose work spans the classical and contemporary realms. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Ravel, Prokofiev, and Poulenc, Chouraki has crafted a distinctive musical language that is both sophisticated and accessible. Despite his exposure to the avant-garde at IRCAM, where he worked alongside Pierre Boulez, Chouraki has chosen a more melodic and harmonic approach.
In the spirit of Gershwin, he seamlessly blends highbrow and lowbrow elements, creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
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.