Simon Alami (born 1966, Fez, Morocco) is a Moroccan-Canadian composer whose music draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences.
Early Exploration and Mentorship: From a young age, Alami nurtured a passion for music, exploring singing, playing various instruments, and composing. While primarily self-taught, he has honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors like concert composer and Grammy Award nominated Robert Paterson, acclaimed concert composer Saad Haddad and composers and orchestrators such as Antonio Gervasoni.
Masterclasses and Recognition: Alami's dedication to artistic growth is evident in his participation in prestigious festivals like the Mostly Modern Festival, where he attended masterclasses with Samuel Adler, Veronika Krausas, Paul Moravec, and Rob Smith. His talent has been acknowledged with the prestigious 1st prize in Composition at the 6th Swiss International Music Competition in Lugano, Switzerland, and support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec. Most recently, Alami was named 1st Runner Up at the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto’s Emerging Canadian Composers Competition, further affirming his place as a promising voice in contemporary composition.
Compositional Voice: Alami's music reflects a unique and eclectic sound, blending elements of diverse musical styles and traditions. He is drawn to the works of master composers like Ravel, Debussy, Bartok, and Stravinsky, yet his voice is distinct. He incorporates unconventional harmonies and dissonant chords. Nature and folk music also play a significant role in his compositions, often woven alongside complex rhythmic structures. The result is music characterized by a fusion of diverse elements and a willingness to experiment with new forms of expression.
Beyond the Notes: He is a husband, grandfather, and resident of Montreal, Canada. Driven by a lifelong passion for music, he is committed to sharing his art with the world. Alami is also a proud Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Center (CMC), member of the Canadian League of Composers (CLC), and the Society of Composers and Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN).