Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lora Al-ahmad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lora, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding purpose is an ongoing process. Is it a professional purpose? Personal? Or is it both? I believe it must encompass both. As musicians, we often think unconventionally, blurring the lines between our work and personal lives because our work is so deeply intertwined with who we are. The way we compose, the way we phrase—it’s a reflection of us as individuals. So, how does this connect to purpose? For me, it emerges from the understanding that music is more than just sound; it’s a means to communicate, inspire, and bring people together.
For me, purpose means making the world a more interesting and inspiring place, creating an alternative reality where people can immerse themselves and escape their struggles. I want the musicians performing my work to feel good, to truly enjoy the process, and to find personal satisfaction in the music. I care.I deeply care about both the musicians and the audience who engage with my work.
With each new project, my sense of purpose differs, depending on the context. In my recent piece, “Dosta: Bound for the Celestial” for piano and string quartet, my immediate purpose was to honor the memory of a young girl tragically murdered in the 1920s in the Rhodope Mountains near Kovatchevica, Bulgaria. Given the Neo-Path Chamber Festival’s setting there, I felt compelled to draw from the region’s rich history, highlighting themes of freedom, resilience, the Bulgarian spirit, and the power of rituals, customs, and traditions.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently focused on my doctoral program in piano performance at the CUNY Grad Center, preparing to start my dissertation and gearing up for comprehensive exams. Alongside my studies, I’m teaching extensively, while also finding time to compose and practice.
I’m excited about the future, which I hope will involve a blend of education, concerts, and one of my biggest dreams: creating concert series dedicated to presenting new works by living composers. Playing chamber music, one of my greatest passions, will be a key part of that. I also hope commissions will become a regular part of my career, as I find it incredibly fulfilling to write for specific performers. It’s rewarding to be asked to create something unique for someone.
Coming up soon is the opening gala concert of the Bulgarian Concert Evenings in New York, where you’ll hear the U.S. premiere of my piano and string quintet, Dosta: Bound for the Celestial, on October 23 at 7:30 PM in Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall. Save the date—I’d love to see you there! As a board member of the organization, I can personally reserve tickets for you if you’d like.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I don’t think it will ever feel truly “complete,” especially in the field of music, where growth is ongoing. Looking back, three qualities or areas that were most impactful for me were: respecting my teachers, building strong relationships with peers, and consistency in practice.
First, respecting and valuing my teachers’ opinions, even when they differed from mine, was crucial. I see younger generations not always doing this, and I think it’s a mistake. Experience matters, and it’s in our best interest to listen to and learn from those who have more of it.
Second, remember that your classmates will eventually become your colleagues in the professional world. It’s important to nurture those relationships, as they can become your support system and collaborators. Being a musician can be isolating, so surrounding yourself with like-minded, supportive people is essential. My advice: be kind, friendly, and diplomatic.
Lastly, something I’ve learned over time is the importance of consistency. Daily practice, even just a little, makes a difference. Be curious—everything you learn can enrich your work in unexpected ways. Feed your imagination and spirit, and find joy in what you create. For those just starting out, focus on improving and developing self-awareness. The opportunities will follow naturally.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As I mentioned earlier, one of my biggest dreams is to create a concert series that showcases the works of living composers. I envision this project growing into a commissioning program, where new music can be brought to life and performed in a dynamic and collaborative setting. To make this vision a reality, I’ll need a team of like-minded individuals who share my passion and can help navigate the administrative and logistical aspects that go into organizing such an initiative. If this sounds like something you’d love to be a part of, I’d be thrilled to hear from you.
Additionally, if you’re interested in collaborating on chamber music, I’d love to play together. Or if you’re thinking about commissioning a new piece, feel free to reach out—I just completed my latest commission this past summer, and I’m always excited about new projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalalorche/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@loraal-ahmad4286
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lora-al-ahmad ; https://soundcloud.com/lora-al-ahmad-558970012
Image Credits
My colleagues on the photos:
Miroslav Hristov, violin
Marta Simidtchieva, cello
Ilia Radoslavov, piano
Maron Khoury, flute
Amber Evans, soprano
Sean Statser, percussion
Georgy Valtchev, violin
Yosuke Kawasaki, violin
Rumen Cvetkov, viola
Alexander Somov, cello
Anna Petrova, piano
Svetlin Hristov, composer
Peter Kerkelov, composer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.