World Premiere of Fazıl Say’s Claros at The Gilmore
October 31, 2024
The Gilmore has proudly commissioned Turkish pianist and composer Fazıl Say to create a new work for the piano repertoire; he was inpired to write Claros: Temple of Prophecies, Opus 112. This extraordinary new work, crafted exclusively for The Gilmore Piano Festival, will receive its world premiere on November 16 at Dalton Recital Hall.
The Commission and Vision Behind Claros
A Gilmore commission is more than a call for music—it’s an invitation to illuminate new narratives within the classical tradition. Claros: Temple of Prophecies stands as a testament to Fazıl Say’s ability to breathe fresh life into ancient stories, taking inspiration from the mysterious prophecy center of Claros. Claros, an ancient city located in modern-day Menderes, Turkey, has a rich history dating back to the 13th century BC. Initially a sanctuary for local deities during the Late Bronze Age, the site was revered for its sacred springs and natural landscape, attracting worshippers seeking favor from various fertility and nature gods. As the Iron Age unfolded and Ionian Greeks settled in the region, Claros began to transform into a prominent oracle site, especially in the 8th century BC when it became increasingly dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, music, and healing. This shift culminated in the construction of a grand temple around the 6th century BC, which showcased intricate sculptures and celebrated the divine status of Apollo.
Reflecting on his visit to the ruins of Claros, Say shared, “There are very special ancient cities in Turkey. In addition to the Ancient City of Ephesus around Izmir, I had the opportunity to visit the Ancient City of Colophon, an Ionian city in that region. When I went to Claros, the sacred area of the Colophon city, I was very impressed by the fact that it was a center of prophecy, its atmosphere, and thematic structure.” This deeply personal encounter with Claros fueled Say’s vision for the piece, as he sought to capture the essence of a place where oracles once offered guidance to kings and leaders, guided by sacred waters believed to have hallucinatory properties.
Say describes Claros as “a journey through time and space, back to a world of prophecy, reverence, and the divine.” His work transforms this ancient sanctuary’s mystique into a single, ten-minute piano piece that captures the aura of Claros with virtuosic intensity and atmospheric storytelling. Through this work, The Gilmore invites audiences to engage with classical music as a living art, filled with boundless possibilities for cultural expression.
Dalton Recital Hall: An Ideal Setting for a World Premiere
The debut of Claros: Temple of Prophecies will take place in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. This intimate space allows every nuance of Say’s composition to resonate, offering audiences a rare chance to experience a new work in close proximity to its creator. This setting amplifies the immersive quality of Claros, turning the recital into an experience that transcends the ordinary.
A Legacy of Musical Innovation
At The Gilmore, commissioning new works is integral to our mission of advancing the classical repertoire and creating space for boundary-pushing compositions. Fazıl Say’s Claros is no exception; it is a work that embodies both the spirit of innovation and a reverence for cultural heritage. As a composer, Say is celebrated for merging the ancient and the modern, and in Claros, he captures the timeless allure of prophecy and mystery through the expressive power of the piano.
Join Us for a Historic Premiere
We are thrilled to invite you to this remarkable premiere, where music, myth, and mastery converge. Join us on November 16 at Dalton Recital Hall to witness the unveiling of Claros: Temple of Prophecies—a piece that not only celebrates the ancient oracle site of Claros but also showcases The Gilmore’s role in bringing new, culturally resonant works to life.
Tickets are limited for this exclusive event. Reserve your seat and join us for this historic moment as Fazıl Say’s Claros revealed, commissioned by The Gilmore to capture the spirit of music as a bridge between past and present.