Commissioned by the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for The Cleveland Orchestra; Franz Welser-Möst, music director

  • 2(pic).2.2+bcl.2/4331/timp.4perc/str
  • 7 min 30 s

Programme Note

Composer note:
The first time I visited Miami was only earlier this year, but from the moment I arrived, I was captivated. So many aspects of the city spoke to me — the warm nights, the hot sun, the cosmopolitan culture, the diverse population — and I was reminded of my home city of Tel Aviv. As I had the opportunity to tour different neighborhoods in Miami and meet artists, musicians, and other members of the community, I was struck by the energy of the people. The mingling of different cultures, foods, politics, and arts concocts a whirlwind of energy that is unique to the city of Miami. Siklòn, the work I have written for this commission, refers both to the violent nature of Miami's hurricanes, as well as the frenzy of energy that comes from a place driven by hot weather, sometimes clashing ideas, and the effervescence of youth. The title, "Siklòn," is the Haitian Creole word for hurricane. While it evokes the image of a "cyclone" or a storm, the word is one that may be unfamiliar to many, and it calls to mind the worlds of experiences and ideas that are present in the fabric of Miami's culture. The work begins with a clash of ideas that is, at times, both challenging and aggressive. These musical ideas continue to interact, swirling and reacting to one another, until the storm breaks into a joyful energy. While the undercurrent continues to churn and the energy never subsides, the once-disturbing storm becomes an outlet of light and happiness. While I still hope to learn more about the depth of Miami's culture, this piece reflects how I perceive the city &mash; joyful, passionate, and bursting with creativity.

— Avner Dorman


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