New York City and Paris Composers Collaborate on one Urgent Concert EBENUS to premier in South Florida this January.
(August 26, 2025)— Commissioned by Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, patrons of the South Florida-based chamber orchestra The Symphonia, the new concerto EBENUS: Concerto for Clarinet will receive its world premiere this January in Boca Raton. Co-composed by Grammy-winning Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh (based in New York City) and acclaimed French conductor and composer Christophe Chagnard (Paris-based), the work represents a rare collaboration between two internationally celebrated artists/composers.
The title, EBENUS, refers to the ebony wood traditionally used to make clarinets, a resource now under threat. Through this symbolism, the piece underscores how climate change reaches even into music, reminding us that the loss of natural materials could one day silence instruments themselves.
The premiere will be performed Jan. 24–25, 2026 at The Studio at Mizner Park, alongside Dvořák’s New World Symphony, which has been masterfully orchestrated for a chamber ensemble, while preserving the sonority and depth of a full symphonic orchestra. To learn more about The Symphonia, EBENUS and the upcoming concert season, visit thesymphonia.org.
About The SYMPHONIA
The SYMPHONIA, recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, provides high-quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. Founded in 2004, The SYMPHONIA’S performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of area residents, with special emphasis on its younger citizens. Follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca. More at thesymphonia.org.