On November 15 last year, Tareq Jundi, one of Jordan’s most renowned musicians, performed at the “Japan-Jordan Friendship Concert” held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Japan. We had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Jundi, who is not only a musician but also actively involved in peace initiatives through his music.
【Profile】
Tareq Jundi
Tareq Jundi, born in Amman in 1983, started learning the Oud at the age of 11. He received his BA in Cello from the National Music Conservatory and his MA in Music Education from the University of Jordan. He joined the Amman Symphony Orchestra in 2009. Tareq won second place in the International Oud Competition in 2009 and at the International Maqam Contest in 2015. In 2015 and 2016, he was awarded by the Jordan’s Ministry of Culture. In 2023, he published a book on Oud teaching method and founded the Arabic Music Academy in Amman. He has released six albums and is active as a composer, conductor, and performer.
【Interview】
Min-On: Thank you for your splendid Oud performance on November 15th at the Museum Hall housed in the Min-On Music Museum. Through this concert, we were able to create new history in our cultural exchange undertaking. Thank you so much for this. Could you share your thoughts on the concert?
Jundi: Performing in Japan and introducing Arabic traditional instrument was a defining moment and one which gave me a sense of fulfillment. I was impressed by the number of people who attended the concert. In addition, I was happy to be exposed to Japanese music and composers which enhanced my repertoire and triggered my curiosity to know more about Japanese music.
Min-On: At the concert, you performed Japanese songs such as “The Desert under the Moon,” “Nada Sou Sou,” and “A Town with an Ocean View” (from Kiki’s Delivery Service). Your performing these songs thrilled the audience and was very well received by them.
Could you tell us about your impression of Japanese music and culture?
“A Town with an Ocean View” (from Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Jundi: Honestly speaking, I felt I needed to know more about Japanese music and composers. Although I come from a different culture, the pieces I performed on Oud touched my heart as a musician. This is precisely the magic of music which has the power to readily convey emotions and feelings to all people.
I have to say though, that it was a challenge to perform music that was new and from a different culture and arrange it on a different instrument than the original.
I did my best by listening to many recordings of each piece to understand the emotions and style. I enjoyed it but certainly did feel a sense of responsibility.
Min-On: On the day of the concert, you visited our Music Museum. What was your impression of it?
Jundi: Touring the museum was a very special experience. I was deeply touched by the piano performances while listening to the explanations. It was a such a privilege for me.
Min-On: During your visit, you showed great interest in the special exhibition “Music for Peacebuilding” Exhibition II, organized by the Min-On Music Research Institute.
As a musician engaged in activities of Musicians Without Borders (MWB), could you share what inspired you to start these activities, the challenges you had to face along the way, and your overall impression of the work you are involved in.
Jundi: Part of my daily life is dedicated to music education, and my work with Musicians Without Borders adds great value to my life.
As a father, I believe that all children have the right to live a quality of life and have access to education.
As a Jordanian and a musician, I feel I have a social responsibility which is why I enrolled in the program to understand the methodology of MWB and the techniques of teaching music for traumatized children. After some years, I became a trainer with the team.
Working with traumatized children is not easy at all. Especially when you listen to their stories of the pains and fears they experienced.
I believe that my mission as a musician is to provide a safety zone for each child and to give them the opportunity to play as a way to reduce their fears and trauma.
Min-On: As of the end of 2020, one in 15 people in Jordan (702,461 individuals) were refugees who fled from other countries, making it the fourth highest of displaced persons in the world (source: World Vision Japan). Given this reality, we are aware that you have been involved in the program “Music Brings Us Together” * since its launch in 2021.
What motivated you to join this project, and how do you see music helping children affected by displacement?
(* “Music Brings Us Together” is a program designed to use music to strengthen resilience, connection, positive identity, and belonging in vulnerable and underserved youth and children in Jordan. The program works with children with a refugee background and children from Jordan through a training program for musicians, music student,s and teachers.)
https://www.musicianswithoutborders.org/programs/al-musiqa-tajm-ana/
Jundi: Jordan and Syria are neighbors and we share a long border. There are many mixed families from both countries. The reason for my participation in this project is my social responsibility as a musician who believes in the power of education and music to change people’s lives, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
I thank God for gifting me with music which enables me to work with children because just standing there and doing nothing to help children in need and who are filled with fear is very painful to watch.
Min-On: Would you share with us your goals or initiatives you would like to take henceforth? We would be keen to hear them.
Jundi: My biggest goal now is to promote Arabic musical instruments to children and adults at my new academy in Amman.
I believe that “our music is our identity” and would like to spread Arabic music as part of our culture to the younger generation. I would like to make them feel a connection to it and pride in their culture. When they become adults, I would also like them to take on the responsibility of handing down its values and legacy.
In addition, one of my ongoing goals is to continue to promote the Oud, Arabic music and culture to the whole world.
Min-On: Lastly, would you please send a message to our readers?
Jundi: I visited Japan in November 2024 and spent 4 days in Tokyo. Although it was a short visit, I was impressed by the system, culture, and values. I learned how after decades of hard work, this country rose into a great nation from ashes in eighty years.
I am grateful to have been able to visit Japan and for the experience which greatly inspired me. I felt I needed to know more about the Far East.
Tareq Jundi’s actions, based on his deep belief and passion for music and education continue to inspire many people and connect the hearts of people across cultures. We hope that his outstanding music will continue to warm the hearts of many in the years to come.
◆ Please enjoy the full concert:
◆ Min-On Music Journey: Jordan Edition
The Jordan Edition of Min-On Music Journey beautifully showcases the charm of Jordanian culture and music. We invite you to embark on this journey through the following link:
If you have any comments regarding this article, please feel free to email us at publicrelations@min-on.or.jp
Min-On Concert Association
-Music Binds Our Hearts-
