Edgard Aoun and Elio Kallassi present “Eclectic”

Innovation in classical music Beirut, November 28, 2014: It is said that “Music is food for the soul”.  This was the case when Lebanon’s classical pianist Elio Kallassi, along with the remarkable Lebanese Tenor Edgard Aoun, joined together to perform “Eclectic,” a first of its kind collaboration that derives style from a broad and diverse range of sources, as the name Eclectic suggests.

Held on November 27,2014 at Platea theatre, Jounieh, Eclectic concert comes in celebration of the launching of the new album which presents nine classical songs performed by the renowned Tenor Edgard Aoun, and orchestrated and re-arranged by Elio Kallassi, along with three instrumental tracks composed by the latter.  This dynamic concert delighted the audience with songs elegantly blending symphonic orchestral music with modern electronic tunes.

An inspired performance by the artists’ respective styles left an enthralled crowd in awe. Accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Coverda, each composition resonated the beauty of Aoun’s solid singing and Kallassi’s soft piano keys thus, creating a forceful yet beautiful representation of classical music.

The Tenor Edgard Aoun accomplished his studies in Italy, France and the United States. Manager of the Saint Joseph School’s theatre since 1999, Aoun managed to produce several musical productions and was also the first to initiate opera concerts in Lebanon. He has performed several concerts in numerous countries and cities such as Dubai, Jordan, Cyprus, Budapest, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, France, Italy and more.

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent said Victor Hugo.  This is our mission, to present original and innovative music in order to expand people’s musical experience, and to bring this invaluable form of art to the Lebanese audience as we strive to enrich their lives,” said Edgard Aoun.

Also commenting on this collaboration, Elio Kallassi stated, “Music lives in every human and reaches out to the people by evoking certain emotions. Collaborating with Edgard has truly been a unique experience as we play the music and sing the songs that give us joy, and we hope to pass this to the people through our new album Eclectic.”

A mechanical engineering graduate and holder of an online master’s degree from Berklee College of Music, Boston, Elio Kallassi has performed many concerts in Lebanon with several ensembles as well as other orchestras and choirs. He received his classical education and composition skills from private tutoring.