Four Seasons (2025)

For string quartet and visuals
Commissioned by Kronos Quartet for Kronos 50th Anniversary

Visuals: Kevork Mourad

Lake Urmia, located in northwest Iran, has a rich and ancient history that intertwines with the region's cultural and ecological tapestry. Once one of the world's largest saltwater lakes, its story is a tale of both grandeur and ecological distress. Over the decades, Lake Urmia has faced significant

challenges due to a combination of human activities, such as damming rivers and excessive water usage, coupled with climate change impacts, leading to a drastic reduction in its water levels. This decrease in water volume has intensified its salinity, threatening the diverse ecosystems and endangering the livelihoods of local communities dependent on the lake. Efforts have been made to revive and conserve this natural wonder, symbolizing the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation in the face of mounting challenges.

The piece, Chahar Fasl, depict four seasons that the lake lives through while shrinking in size and towards decay while pointing out the political hemisphere of Iran during one year which recycles and purfies itself every year. The piece also pays a tribute to Antoni Vivaldi's Four Seasons by cherishing the beauty of four seasons from an eastern perspective.

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SHAMS (2023-2025)