Writer Articles
Jean-Claude Elias

Jean-Claude Elias

The writer is a computer engineer and a classically trained pianist and guitarist. He has been regularly writing IT articles, reviewing music albums, and covering concerts for more than 30 years.

Celebrated Irish Riverdance company to perform in Amman

Irish celebrated dance company Riverdance is in Amman for an exceptional set of three performances that will take place at the Roman Amphitheater on September 21-23. This year, the renowned, award-winning act is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Yussef Dayes’ experimental album: ‘Black Classical Music’

"Black Classical Music" is a recently released album by the extraordinary British drummer, Yussef Dayes. Right away, listeners will notice that it diverges significantly from traditional classical music, such as the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Debussy, and others.

Exploring Western influence on Arabic music

Join Jean-Claude for this month’s podcast where he switches things up a bit. Join him as he explores Western influence on Arabic music and its profound implications for artists and the vibrant music scene. Delving into the intricate interplay between Eastern and Western musical traditions, he uncovers how elements like instruments, harmonies, and contemporary genres have integrated into Arabic music's rich tapestry.

A musical odyssey with Yacoub Abu Ghosh

​Join Jean-Claude for his interview with Yacoub Abu Ghosh, a versatile Jordanian musician defying labels. Delve into Ghosh's musical background and journey, as he shares how he navigates without formal training, relying on immersive experience and collaboration with regional talent. From keyboard skills to lyrical finesse, enjoy a musical treat, including a small performance.

The importance of building an awareness around current IT trends

​Information technology is driving the world. There is no doubt about it. Being aware of the current trends in this leading, critical domain, is not only interesting, it also may help us to better live alongside it, and cope with its progression, as it will progress into all aspects of daily life.

Melodies beyond boundaries with Yarub Smarait

​Join host Jean-Claude for his interview with Yarub Smarait, a talented local violinist and musician currently based in Abu Dhabi. Covering Smarait’s musical journey, his role as a music technology manager at Berklee Abu Dhabi, and his experiences performing and composing music, the podcast also features snippets of Yarob's performances and highlights upcoming projects he is involved in.

Finding new artists: The relaxing classical piano of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

​While searching the wide web to listen to classical music different from my usual mega-idols, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and the like, I discovered British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. I chose a new release, Piano Works, performed by Canadian pianist Luke Welch, released last May.

Musing over melodies with Zade Dirani

Join host Jean-Claude as he engages in a captivating conversation with the celebrated Jordanian-American musician, pianist, and composer, Zade Dirani. Delve into Dirani's remarkable musical journey, from performing for royalty to collaborating with renowned artists like Richard Clayderman.

The unstoppable AI tide and technological evolution

​Although this article speaks mainly of AI, it is not about what this stunning technology can or cannot do, how amazing it may be, if it is good or bad, or whether governments should regulate it. These aspects have been largely covered in the media, including in this very space, and continue to be a part of an ongoing discourse that has just started. As we all know by now — even if only because of the ubiquitous ChatGPT — AI is the hottest and most debated trendy topic in information technology.

Benny Andersson latest trick is classical

​Beautiful pop tunes smartly turned into symphonic music, magnificently interpreted by award-winning Swedish violinist Christian Svarfvar accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra: this is what The Symphonic Touch of Benny Andersson is about. The album is guaranteed to please your ears and leave you relaxed and immersed in the sound. The new album, out just a few days ago, certainly delivers what its title lets you imagine.