He is classically trained in piano and he holds master degrees in music theory, music writing, and music composition, He works as a freelance composer, orchestrator, arranger, artistic director, and music teacher in Brussels. composer - music educator houman khalaj's bio
As the author of numerous compositions, Khalaj’s 2019 "Lullaby for Children of Syria” was performed by The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra in Antwerp, Belgium. Additionally, his chamber music compositions have been performed by many diverse ensembles on an international scale. His compositions are diverse in musical style and can be illustrated by his cross-cultural approach. Some of his works intricately combine Western classical music and avant-garde techniques with elements driven from the traditional and folk music of Persian culture, including Persian rhythm, quarter tones, modes, Dastgāh/Maqam/Mayeh. These elements are brought together in a contemporary context, showcasing his occasional exploration of a cross-cultural approach. In other compositions, he delves into the realms of Western classical music and avant-garde techniques, showcasing a diverse range of influences. Houman wrote pieces for orchestras, wind bands, chamber and vocal music including songs and choirs, as well as electronic and electro/acoustic music. He is open to writing music for film, ballet, dance, opera and music theatre. He is the founder and artistic director of the Euro-Persian Art Organization, where he tries to bring Persian and European music closer to each other. Under this organization, he founded a professional high-quality international ensemble, which is composed of award-winning soloists from prestigious European orchestras. He was first introduced to the world of music through learning piano at the age of 13. His talent and interest in classical music encouraged him to move to Europe, specifically Belgium at a young age, where he received his education at the Conservatory of Leuven for three years. At the same time, he followed intensive private courses in classical piano, solfeggio, and general music theory. In 2004 he began his musical education at the Lemmensinstituut in Belgium, where he studied piano performance for a year; under the supervision of the leading European classical pianist professor Ewa Korniszewska. His keen interest in courses, harmony, music theory and composition later led him to study at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in Belgium. In 2015, he successfully graduated in classical music from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in the field of music theory, music writing, and composition, under the supervision of Alain Craens, Wim Henderickx, Luc Van Hove, Frank Agsteribbe, Eric Donvil, Willy Vervloet, Hedwig Vanvaerenbergh, and Peter Thomas. In 2020, he successfully graduated from The Royal Conservatory of Brussels (Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles), where he obtained his Master’s degree in Composition, under the supervision of Daniel Capelletti and Michel Lysight. In 2021 he founded the Euro-Persian Art Organization. In 2023, As composer in residence with the Euro-Persian Art Organization, his composition “Zarathustra No.1” written for orchestra, solo soprano and choir was performed by the Euro-Persian Art Ensemble in Bozar in Brussels, Belgium. Houman Khalaj is a member of Sabam and the Union of Belgian Composers. Musical styles:
He uses poly-stylistic compositional techniques to express his sources of inspiration. He achieves this by reinvestigating the roots and liaison between Western and Persian cultures while incorporating Western classical music tradition and avant-garde composition techniques of the 20th and 21st centuries. He seamlessly blends diverse musical influences to create a rich and unique sonic tapestry. His ability to transcend cultural boundaries allows him to create a universal musical language that resonates with a global audience. Houman Khalaj's compositions serve as a testament to his adeptness in navigating diverse musical landscapes, crafting pieces that reflect the interconnectedness of musical traditions while pushing the boundaries of contemporary composition. Through his poly-stylistic approach, Khalaj invites listeners on a journey that transcends geographical and cultural borders, fostering a harmonious blend of musical heritage and innovation. Inspiration:
He considers the greatness of the potential link between pre-Islamic Persian cultural heritage and the West via art. Specifically, pre-Islamic Persia has shared common values and interests with western civilization for many centuries. Its outstanding contribution to the development of art, architecture, astronomy, fine arts, mathematics, etc. has become a constitutive part of western culture, thus internationally enhancing human progress and expression. This common heritage carries us together into the present. According to many researchers, pre-Islamic Persia forms the roots of modern western civilization. He intends to stimulate a cultural and artistic liaison between western and the ancient civilization of the Persian cultural heritage. Its considerable contributions to culture in the world with a marked degree of continuity on both an intellectual level and historic elements are at the center of his attention. Equally so is the incorporation of the modernist and postmodern movements in art. Alongside history and culture, he is inspired by nature and the function of art in society.
