“Phoenicia” Symphonic Suite Op.35 is nearing completion. “Phoenicia” was inspired by the thalassocratic civilization originating in the Levant region of the eastern Mediterranean, primarily located in modern Lebanon. It all started there when I visited Lebanon a few years ago and fell in love with Byblos, a landmark Phoenician Seaport. Byblos is believed to have been first occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC and continuously inhabited since 5000 BC making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phoenicia Symphonic Suite journey started after meeting Maestro Diane Wittry at Miller Symphony Hall in 2019. After listening to my orchestral composition “Cubist Ballet” she encouraged me to participate in the Allentown Symphony Orchestra New Music Series – Chamber Music planned for 2020 season and to compose Chamber Music pieces that would align with the forthcoming “Call for Scores”. The first New Music Series – Chamber Music included the choice of a Piano & Clarinet. I immediately heard the clarinet playing the opening theme of the first movement of the Symphonic Suite “The Shores of Phoenicia” and started working on the Clarinet & Piano piece. During that same period ASO (Allentown Symphony Orchestra) had hired Chris Rodgerson as the Composer in Residence. I met Chris at the ASO 2020 Summer Composer Workshop and was extremely impressed by his talent and credentials – Chris is a professor at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. I approached Chris about private tutoring and was thrilled when he accepted to be my coach. At the end of 2020 I submitted “The shores of Phoenicia” for Clarinet and Piano to the first ASO New Music Series – Chamber Music “Call For Scores”. To my great delight in February 2021 I was informed that my piece was selected to be premiered in the historic concert on April 6, 2021 at Miller Symphony Hall. I am extremely grateful to the Allentown Symphony Orchestra Organization and especially to Maestro Diane Wittry for providing local composers the opportunity to have their work performed live by professional musicians. Please support The Allentown Symphony.
Pierre Bohemond, composer 