Houtaf Khoury, the Lebanese composer, is possibly the most important composer to have emerged from the region over the last thirty years. His compositions all confirm a unique and special voice, one that communicates across nations. Often composers adopt the styles of their teachers, and learn certain necessary skills but then sadly bring little that is new or creative to the genre. But Houtaf has such natural and individual artistic talent that he is forging new pathways that are his alone; this is what makes his music so important. Over the years I have taken part in many premières of new music, stretching from Benjamin Britten through to younger generations of today. Sadly many composers learn all the skills but then find that they have very little to say in any individual sense. Houtaf though is something else – a composer who opens his heart and, through his immense resource of intelligence, musical skills, and imagination, writes music that is both new and full of subtlety and passion. It is uncommon today to find contemporary composers whose music you are convinced will continue to be appreciated long into the future, but I do believe that Houtaf is one of those very rare creatures. If you are skeptical about such a statement, then just listen to his music and it will itself prove the voracity of what I say and certainly enrich your life.

Oliver Butterworth ARAM

Former Professor Trinity Laban London

Royal Academy of Music

Houtaf Khoury - The Journey for violin solo and strings