JULY 18 2019
A World Premiere with Gabriel Yared & Yasmina Joumblatt A unique encounter between the Oscar winner, composer and musician Gabriel Yared and the amazing Yasmina Joumblatt, great granddaughter of the legendary Asmahan. Yasmina’s immense talent as a songwriter and interpreter is enhanced by the music composed for her by Yared.
The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra will be directed by Maestro Dirk Brossè.
Gabriel Yared
Oscar winning composer Gabriel Yared is one of the most well-respected composers in film. Yared won an Academy Award for his score to Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient, which also won him a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Grammy. Yared was originally known for his work in French cinema, starting with Jean-Luc Godard, and later Jean-Jacques Beineix. He also composed ballet music for works such as Clavigo for The Paris Opera, and Wayne McGregor’s Raven Girl for the Royal Opera Ballet. More recently, he scored Xavier Dolan’s sixth feature film, ‘It’s Only the End of the World’, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2016. Yared was an official member of the Cannes Film Festival Jury, 2017.
In December 2017, Yared performed a concert of his film music at the Paris Philharmonie, alongside the London Symphony Orchestra. He recently finished scoring Dolan’s upcoming film, ‘The Death and Life of John F. Donovan’, ‘The Happy Prince’, directed by Rupert Everett, Michel Ocelot’s latest film, ‘Dilili à Paris’, and ‘Judy’, a Judy Garland biopic starring Renée Zellweger and directed by Rupert Gould. In 2016, Yared began to work with Yasmina Joumblatt, firstly adapting three songs composed by Farid El Atrache for his sister Asmahan, and progressively composed 9 original songs based on Yasmina’s lyrics.
Yasmina Joumblatt
For Yasmina Joumblatt, music is as much a new and special endeavor, as it is an instinct deeply rooted within herself and her heritage.
Innately curious since her early years, Yasmina has followed many different yet interconnected paths, all driven by an open and aspiring mind. From one inspiring encounter to another, the Lebanese artist has delved into various domains: from the study of law and political science, to the practice of psychology and homeopathy. While these encounters may be distinct, they naturally come together into a harmonious whole bringing new ways and perspectives to nourish her intellectual curiosity.
After a lifetime of eclectic decisions and an eagerness to hone her own understanding, Yasmina Joumblatt’s journey has taken a new turn to music, marking her first reconnection with her profound, yet discreet, sensitivity. While her debut as a singer and songwriter gives voice to a talent she had concealed during her youth, it also represents an artist’s search of her own roots, as she prepares for her first ever performance. Through the strong bond she has with her unique legacy, she has brought to life the music and talent of her greatgrandmother, Asmahan, and her Arab heritage, bringing her deep emotional side into the light for the first time in her life. The world-renowned composer Gabriel Yared recognized the value of this journey towards oneself and one’s deeply rooted origins. He decided to contribute to its revival by partnering with Yasmina. In her voice as much as in her lyrics, Yasmina Joumblat conveys a subtle combination of strength and gracefulness as she exposes her own vulnerability.
The Birth of a Voice
“I met Yasmina Joumblatt when I was living in London 15 years ago. She was very interested in reprising the songs sung by her great grandmother, Asmahan. At the time I was very busy scoring for films, and I wasn’t sure I was the right person to help, due to my lack of knowledge in oriental music. In any case, we started a great friendship together, seeing each other from time to time.
13 years later, I decided to record her singing the Asmahan song, Ya Habibi Taala, just on her own without any accompaniment. After hearing her voice, I was struck by how amazingly beautiful and unique it was, and so began to compose, orchestrate and adapt this original song to something completely different. Not only does Yasmina have the capability to sing so naturally and genuinely, she also has a talent for writing lyrics. So, I proposed that we collaborate and create original songs together. Over the last two years we have written 9 original songs, and have recreated 3 songs by Asmahan.
Yasmina’s voice is like a diamond, gifted from heaven. Everything about it is so touching and emotional, and its unique beauty draws you in. Through this encounter with Yasmina, I discovered a new-found relationship with my country, and also my country’s music, and so did she. I tried my very best to enhance all the qualities of her voice and lyrics with my composition, adaptation and orchestration. I put all my skills and my heart into these songs, as if I was building her a jewellery box for the gem of her voice inside.”
Gabriel Yared
IN COLLABORATION WITH FONDATION LIBAN CINEMA- FLC
Fondation Liban Cinema (FLC) is a non-profit organization that has been working since 2003 to support the 7th art. FLC plays a powerful and effective federating role in the Lebanese audiovisual industry. FLC supports the development of a competitive Lebanese film industry by professionalizing and structuring the sector.
FLC supports filmmakers, festivals and associations. It has supported more than 70 directors and more than 20 film projects. FLC has partnered with more than 50 international festivals and important cinematographic manifestations in Lebanon and abroad.