The rise of a talented composer : Johnny Hachem
Who is Johnny Hachem and some of his music philosophy: Johnny Hachem is a Lebanese-Ukrainian composer and pianist, based in Switzerland. He is the holder of many international awards including the 2009 international award for the Music Composition at The International Composition Conference (Cergy-pontoise, France) and the 2021 Third prize of the Classic Pure Vienna International Composition Competition (Vienna, Austria). Johnny Hachem is one of the most promising composers in Europe, with an extensive resume that includes prestigious awards from around the world. He has been awarded many international awards including the 2009 Music Composition Award at The International Composition Conference (Cergy -Pontoise, France). Read more details at Johnny Hachem.
I love that everything I do is to be original and unique and not only to follow the music market. At the same time I profit from the technology and the new softwares to the maximum. For example, a few years ago, I composed the orchestral music for a documentary film using only the VST instruments. I believe that I must gain from anything that can make the composition process smoother and faster but it must always meet uniqueness and genuine originality.
Currently, Johnny is preparing for a series of piano concerts that he will perform in various European countries in the near future and says that the proceeds will be donated to the families affected by the war in Lebanon and Ukraine. He believes donating to humanitarian causes gives meaning to his musical message. Johnny Hachem has come a long way, and even though he faced a lot of hurdles, he refused to give up. And finally, he has been successful in achieving his dreams. Now he wishes to guide the aspiring musicians and pianists in the world to accomplish what he has done over the years of hard work. “Do not try to imitate successful musicians and stars. Instead, do the opposite and draw your own unique path. This is the key to success,” he stressed. He is an ambitious, passionate, and emotional person who values deep feelings and cherishes others’ happiness. Johnny Hachem’s message is about peace, and he uses his music to spread it across the world.
What musical instruments would you take with you on a travel to Mars? Johnny Hachem: Harmonica! It’s my second instrument after the piano. Back to Earth: what is the role of a composer, songwriter, perfomer these days? Is it only to be a jester or a bard? Or is there more to it, for example using the stage to stand for others? Johnny Hachem: I believe the role of music is much greater than entertaining people. In my opinion, different messages should be spread through music to defend specific causes or to help society. So, I always say that talent alone is not enough; a musician – and artist as well- should have a certain vision that gives sense and value to his music.
Johnny has performed his compositions world-wide in countries including, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, France, Switzerland, Germany, England, Spain, Poland, Belarus and Ukraine. His most notable work include his composition for the documentary film I Knocked on the Temple’s Door by Carmen Labaki, and also for composing “The Fourth Watch”, which was performed by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in December 2014 and “The Battle of Siddim” performed by the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra in May 2017 and by “Lublin Philharmonic orchestra”, Poland in October 2017.
How does it feel these days living in Ukraine, a tinderbox in the world, a multi-ethnic country, one famous for art and creativity? Johnny Hachem: I love Ukraine so much, it is my second country by all meanings. First, this country is very beautiful and so are its people. I got to know my wife Tetiania (Ukrainian) when I was giving a concert here nine years ago and I fell in love with the Ukrainian culture. The people of this country love music and art and they are pioneers in all artistic fields.