Toni at the end of year 2020 and the start of year 2021, what would you like to tell us?
First of all, I want to wish you all a happy new year, in hopes that Corona virus disappears completely in 2021 and we all return to our normal life with faith, hope, and free of fear. I also wish that the joy of living will be back to every person in the world without more delays.
Second, I promise you many new compositions to come, whether melodies or songs, as soon as the circumstances will allow; I already have a new album ready to be recorded with the philharmonic orchestra. Also, my big show LE GRAND SPECTACLE will return to the Romanian National Opera of Bucharest soon.
Going further, in addition to some of the future steps that I have mentioned, I would like to say that the past few months were not a waste as I released three video clips and one new song for my beloved country Lebanon.
You talked about new compositions either new songs or melodies. Can you tell us more about them?
During the past few months and throughout the confinement periods caused by Corona Virus, I kept myself active and tried to be productive by spending a lot of time in my studio. As a result, I now have new melodies and songs in hand, which I composed & arranged. These melodies form my new album Nr. 5, which I intend to finalize recording with the Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, once the circumstances allow.
What about the video clips that you have launched during the confinement period and the new songs?
Three video clips were produced & launched:
-In April 2020 during this (Corona Virus) pandemic that we were facing, I composed a new melody and produced a video clip titled “Life Wins”. It was all recorded in my studio with no possibility to have access to an orchestra then, but with the available sounds from my studio library. The video clip was also produced at my studio with the assistance of my daughter Pietra who was responsible for some video shootings. It is a positive musical track & video that expresses our longing to normal life and considers the optimistic point of view of this crisis, which is, simply put, a sky that is finally breathing again [ https://youtu.be/nsuvOFcTnm0 ]
-Another video clip was produced and released during June 2020, titled “Dry Flower”. It is a track from my Full Length Album “NEW DAWN”. This video clip is addressed to the whole world, mainly as a homage for all those who are suffering like a dry flower deprived of any care. It calls for stopping Racism, Hunger, Thirst, Poverty, and Homelessness all over the world [ https://youtu.be/ShQIh0znzdY ]
-In addition to these musical video clips, I composed a new song for our beloved Lebanon titled “Ya Watani L Aazim” which was released in August 2020, featuring Jessy Jleilaty and her heartfelt vocals. This video clip was directed by the talented Elias Absi who got the job done perfectly as usual [https://youtu.be/EKAavMVDkZU ]
Any other cooperation with Jessy Jleilaty or with other artists?
Jessy is a great artist and her voice is exceptional. Yes I do have other cooperation with her. Actually a new entertaining song that I have composed titled “Tal L Amar” was recorded and finalized, and it will be released soon after finalizing the video clip which is under preparation. I expect a launching date of the song & video clip within early year 2021. The video clip is also directed by Elias Absi who prepared a very nice story for the video and is now developing it and working on all details prior to the shooting sessions.
As for the cooperation with other artists, sure this is always an option, noting that I have received requests from several artists to provide them with songs from my composition.
You said that you will perform your show LE GRAND SPECTACLE at the Romanian National Opera of Bucharest. Tell us about it and why you have selected the Opera of Bucharest?
As you may know my latest album “NEW DAWN” that was released in December 2018, was recorded in Bucharest Romania in cooperation with the Romanian “Philharmonic Mirea & Zuralia Orchestra” both founded by the renowned Romanian musician Relu Balkan, who is the best clarinet player in Romania and among the tops in the world. I have decided to perform my show LE GRAND SPECTACLE at the Romanian National Opera of Bucharest based on two factors. First, when I was recording my album in Bucharest, I got the chance to visit “The Romanian National Opera – Bucharest” which is a famed and valuable cultural and artistic site in the Romanian Capital. The beauty and greatness of this place were stuck in my head which lead me to think of performing my show at this prestigious venue. Second, my friend Relu Balkan who is well aware of my music and show “LE GRAND SPECTACLE”, invited me to bring the show to the National Opera of Bucharest, which I accepted with honor. Here I would like to mention that, unlike some opera houses in the world and mainly in some Arab countries where they accept performers of any level; the criteria to perform at The Romanian National Opera of Bucharest are extremely high, and it would not be possible to perform there unless they are fully met. This was a challenge for me but I was confident that my show Le Grand Spectacle will surpass the opera qualifications criteria.
Can you tell us some more details about your show Le Grand Spectacle?
As you may know, I only include songs and music in my performances of my own compositions. Following the huge success of my latest album “New Dawn”, I came up with a visionary project, one that required a grand approach which inspired the launch of Le Grand Spectacle. It is an extravaganza show written, composed, arranged and produced by Toni Makhoul. This big concert includes a new concept with a remarkable production, including more than 100 performers in an unprecedented performance. It is a unique combo of Music Compositions, Philharmonic Orchestra, Choir, Singers, Dance Performances, and Artistic Video Displays. The uniqueness of the show comes from the story of each piece that will be brought to light with the help of a giant video screen display to create an unforgettable evening. I wanted this show to contain a variety of musical styles harmoniously complimented by a spectacular choreography. Concerning the performance at the Romanian National Opera, the magnificent choreography by Sandra Abbas and Asadour Euredjian, in collaboration with famous choreographer from Romania, will feature more than 32 of the best Romanian dancers performing diversified styles such as Tango, Waltz, Disco, Salsa, Ballet, Samba, Spanish, Rope Dance, and much more; the special costumes are also designed by Sandra Abbas. Let’s not forget the special Choir from Romania. I have chosen to work with the elite Lebanese and Romanian artists without minimizing on anything, In order to create one of the best shows that features the maximum possible kinds of art and performances; I want the audience to enjoy their night and the beautiful melodies coming of the huge orchestra and its instruments, while watching the special artistic visuals by director Elias Absi, accompanying each tune, which will be displayed on a Huge LED screen, all of which goes along with the creative dances and specially designed clothes.
When do you intend to present Le Grand Spectacle at the Romanian National Opera of Bucharest and how do you feel about this big project?
The new date to perform Le Grand Spectacle at the National Romanian Opera of Bucharest was rescheduled to the 9th of February 2021, provided that the circumstances caused by Corona Virus will allow so, and based on the Opera’s decision in this regard; if not it will be postponed again to a further date. Le Grand Spectacle will be proudly performed on the stage of The Romanian National Opera – Bucharest diffusing the most beautiful artistic melodies and images and I am sure that the audience especially the Romanians, who are of always eager for culture and beauty, will leave the show with richer souls, minds and unforgettable memories. This distinctive show will be touring the world, showcasing beautifully diversified artistic scenes, and reflecting a civilized image of Lebanon while sending a message of love to the whole world.