The growth of a gifted composer : Johnny Hachem

Who is Johnny Hachem and some of his piano play achievements: Johnny Hachem is one of the most brilliant pianists in today’s time. He has performed at various international festivals, including ones held in Ukraine, Lebanon, Switzerland, England, Austria, Germany, France, Spain Poland, Romania, The Netherlands, South Korea, as well as the Arab countries, where he played his solo works. It wasn’t until later on when young Johnny discovered how much talent awaited him in the music industry. He is a music prodigy who started learning piano and composition at the Lebanese Higher Conservatory of Music. He earned his master’s degree there with distinction too! Discover extra details on Johnny Hachem.

Simplicity. In some cases less is more and silence can be the loudest instrument. Yet, it feels many can’t bear the idea of multi-layered compositions where there is a dialogue and sometimes unisound other times cacophonic togetherness. Instead, blunt overspeaking and emphasizes rule both contemporary pop/rock and easy listening compositions. Where and how can we find the true resonance in a musical piece? Johnny HachemJohnny Hachem: This is a very interesting question and can’t be answered shortly but what I want to say, for me, it always depends on the beauty of the music. You can listen to a very complicated musical composition which can easily enter into the ears of the audience due to its beauty. I will also talk about Rachmaninov here who composed the most difficult piano concertos in history, but everyone loves those concertos because they are amazingly beautiful. As for myself, every piece must be unique and must reflect a certain story – and it can be very simple but beautiful and deep at the same time. Jacob & Rachel is not a complicated orchestral piece and you can always hear the beautiful love melodies inside. Also, it has won an international award because I could make the combination between the simplicity and uniqueness at the same time.

When asked about his favorite music genre, he replied, “My music is based heavily on the style of Neo-romanticism with some modernistic elements.” According to him, he wishes to see classic romanticism in the young blood of today, and therefore he tends to mix modernism with classics to create some soulful and melodious arrangements. Due to a troubled childhood because of the war in Lebanon, Johnny shared that coping with his academic journey with all those psychological conditions was very challenging. But even after school, whenever there was a ceasefire, he would snuggle up to play the piano which sums up his passion for music.

Who are you listening to these days? Johnny Hachem: Brahms, Wagner & Sibelius. This is a brand new year. What hopes and plans do you have? Johnny Hachem: I am composing 3 new pieces for symphony orchestra, Wind Quintet & String Quartet, I hope they will be performed during this year and loved by the audience! Before we go, could you say a few encouraging words for your fans and readers? Johnny Hachem: First, I want to thank you for those deep and interesting questions and for interviewing me! I want to thank all my friends and fans who believed in my talent and encouraged me throughout the years and tell them to believe always in their own taste and never work against their belief!

Mingle Music UK, wrote about him: To his name, he has a piano concerto, clarinet concerto and a large variety of instrumental and orchestral compositions that have been performed in Lebanon and Europe. Johnny is also a professor at the Lebanese Higher National Conservatory of Music. He has achieved a Masters degree in composition with distinction. It is true that nurturing talent takes practice, dedication, willingness to sacrifice and, of course, determination to keep the goal clear, even when the spot gets tight. When it comes to utter devotion and perseverance, Johnny Hachem, a Lebanese-Ukrainian composer and pianist, is one musician who has proved that with hard work, you can achieve anything in life.

Second, the contemporary music compositions have become quite difficult for the majority of the people to enjoy. Very few would like to attend such concerts and even most of the professional musicians themselves always prefer to perform a beautiful music where you can hear a clear and beautiful theme, harmony and orchestration. That’s why, I believe, every music that doesn’t contain a beautiful theme will be directly forgotten and less appreciated.