Description
West Bank Echoes is a musical journey through the landscapes, stories, and spirit of Palestine, inspired by the poetry of Mahmoud and Najwan Darwish. The work opens with "Intro (a jewel that shines)", evoking the image of Palestine as a radiant gem, and unfolds through a series of pieces that capture moments of daily life, memory, and hope -- from the vibrant rhythms of "Damascus Gate" and the windswept beauty of "Al-Bariyeh (The Desert Wilderness)" to the contemplative "West Bank Sunrise" and the farewell of "Exit." Drawing on Arabic rhythmic traditions such as malfouf and karachi, and echoing influences from the oud and qanun, Malaise's music fuses Middle Eastern soundscapes with Western improvisational forms. The cycle closes with "PostScript (Jasmine Flowers)" and "Na'ima (Blessing)," a prayer for peace and renewal. Belgian pianist and composer Jeroen Malaise (b. 1971, Antwerp) teaches at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp. His work bridges improvisation and classical traditions, and he has performed internationally at venues such as the Wiener Konzerthaus, Royal Opera House London, Beijing Music Festival, and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
