Composer Malek Jandali has enjoyed notable successes around the world. His music is widely performed internationally and has been commissioned and recorded by leading orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic, the Russian Philharmonic, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony, the Zagreb Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Qatar Philharmonic among others.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is set to present the world premiere of Rhapsody, a new commission for Jandali, on July 20 at the Ravinia Festival under the baton of Marin Alsop. 'Jandali belongs among the superb composer-poets of our time,' says Alsop, who has long championed his work. 'He is a meaningful voice of quite astonishing, almost unearthly beauty.' Known for weaving the rich musical traditions of his Syrian heritage into powerful symphonic compositions, Jandali has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in modern classical music.

From Vienna to London, the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall, Jandali’s music consistently makes a profound impact on listeners and has been hailed as 'a major new addition to the 21st century’s symphonic literature,' according to Fanfare magazine. His large-scale symphonic works engage major philosophical themes and integrate Arabic maqams (modes) with persuasive skill and a marked seriousness of purpose that echoes UNESCO’s call to preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, Syria.

Composer Malek Jandali in Vienna (photo by Theresa Wey)

Jandali’s first breakout work, Variations for Piano and Orchestra, based on an ancient Syrian theme, demonstrates a breathtaking command of the orchestra for a debut composition. It was recorded in Moscow with the composer himself as pianist. His Phoenix in Exile for orchestra and English Horn is a testament to his emotive power, offering 'heart-rending melodies, lush orchestration, and creative textures,' according to the American Record Guide. Jandali’s prolific output includes eight symphonies, seven concertos, a full opera, a musical, and a variety of tone poems and symphonic dances. His recent album 'Concertos', featuring the Clarinet Concerto written for New York Philharmonic principal clarinetist Anthony McGill, was selected among the 'Best of Classical Music of 2024' by The Washington Post.

Earlier this year, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra premiered his Symphony No 1 'Syrian Symphony' under conductor Alastair Willis with plans to broadcast the concert throughout Europe via UNITEL, and the Canadian Opera Company recently completed a demo recording of his opera The Square. Jandali is currently preparing to record his two cello concertos with soloist Johannes Moser and the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony, under the baton and leadership of Alsop. Next season, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra is set to premiere Jandali’s Symphony No 5 under the direction of Robert Franz and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is performing Jandali’s clarinet concerto with their principal clarinetist Taylor Marino with conductor Christopher James Lees.

Composer Malek Jandali and Conductor Marin Alsop in Vienna (photo by Theresa Wey)

When Malek Jandali was growing up in Germany, he would listen as his father played Herbert von Karajan’s recordings at home. Then, at the age of six, the family moved back to the city of its roots, Homs in Syria. Karajan’s interpretations of the great works of the European classical canon mingled in the budding young Malek’s mind with the sounds of Syrian folk music. It was the start of a rich dialogue that has powered a full opera, eight symphonies, seven concertos, four string quartets – and counting. 'For me, there is no East and West in music,' the composer told Gramophone in 2022 who often describes himself as a 'musician on a mission'. He often highlights ancient Syria’s contributions to world culture, from Ziryab’s founding of Europe’s first music conservatory to Ugarit’s invention of musical notation in Mesopotamia.

That deep historical awareness infuses Rhapsody, his latest orchestral commission by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The work draws inspiration from Ugarit’s legacy, reimagining ancient melodies through a modern symphonic lens. It is at once a preservation of identity and a bold act of innovation.

'Rhapsody is a vivid dialogue between civilizations,' Jandali explains. 'It celebrates the unity possible through the magic of music – a shared language that transcends borders.' Crafted specifically with the Chicago Symphony’s dynamic sound in mind, this timely and meaningful work promises an emotionally charged experience that reflects both cultural memory and universal aspiration.

As anticipation builds for the world premiere, Jandali offers a final note of purpose: 'We must be light when the world is dark.' In Rhapsody, the composer invites all listeners unite into a world where beauty resists division, and music becomes a beacon of hope, heritage, and harmony. 'It is always better to be together in a symphony for peace.'