Ara Malikian

In Lebanon, I was not considered sufficiently 'Lebanese' because I was of Armenian origin; the Armenians did not consider me sufficiently 'Armenian' because I was born in Lebanon; when I settled in Europe, they did not consider me 'European' because I was not born in Europe. It took me years to be at peace with who I am and to accept being the eternal 'Intruso' and to embrace the richness of my multicultural identity. This experience was also reflected in my relationship with music. In every concert, whether performing works by Bach or Mozart, or improvising in such diverse styles as jazz, gipsy, flamenco, or tango, etc., the feeling of being an 'intruso' intensified. Each note resonated with the nostalgia of a home that did not exist, a place in which I did not quite fit. However, this condition of 'intruso' gave me the opportunity to explore and enjoy fascinating musics and cultures, alien to my own tradition. My intention was not to adapt to these styles, but to bring my own voice, the voice of my violin and my unique vision of music, without asking for forgiveness for being different. In every note, in every improvisation, I sought to convey the richness of my multicultural experience, fusing the most diverse traditions into a unique and personal sound. Thanks to my condition as an 'intruso', I have discovered that the whole world is my home. Art, music, and culture belong to me, regardless of my origin or place of birth. My home is in my body and in my soul, an infinite space where identity transforms and music becomes a universal language.