The Adam Farouk Orchestra (“AFO”) is a musical initiative established by Adam Farouk, made up of a rotating roster of celebrated musical professionals from around the world. Its primary repertoire is original music composed by Farouk, though select cover versions, specifically those associated with BlueDorian-related projects, are also performed from time to time.
The idea for such an ensemble was developed gradually over the better part of a decade, finally formalizing in 2013 with the adoption of the designation “orchestra” to reflect the revolving nature of the group’s membership; its commitment to musical precision; and its focus on development and stylistic exploration.
Configurational experimentation has been a highlight of the ensemble, which started its revival in 2013 as a five-piece keyboard-based pop ensemble, before pairing itself down to what the band now reflexively refers to as its “string-quartet” phase (2014-15), characterized by an increased emphasis on the intermingling of guitar textures, and the strategic abandoning of the drum set as the source of rhythmic cohesion. In 2016, the AFO emerged from this period, returning to the more full sound of a traditional rock band. In 2017, appearing at TeamPeh Enterprises' inaugural "TPE Expo," AFO's cabaret roots resurfaced to give life to a repertoire of theatrical and thematic numbers showcasing some of BlueDorian's current lineup of projects.
After a brief hiatus, following director Adam Farouk's medical leaves-of-absence during 2018 and 2019, the AFO reassembled in 2020 just in time to meet COVID-19's many challenges head-on. With no ability to rehearse together, AFO took to cyberspace, eventually going on to produce its most ambitious project to date: a collection of songs from the rock opera "Ray of Sunshine," written by Adam Farouk, released in late 2021. In 2022 the AFO continued this streak of sagacious audacity with an encore remote production, this time of a ten-song album showcasing Adam Farouk's “Continuity,” a rock opera which takes a deep yet humorous dive into mental illness, life with it, and the lives of people affected by it.
The AFO continues its tradition of perseverance in the face of unexpected circumstances, and assembles once again with characteristic zeal and focus. After last year's return to live performance, the group returns to present a short set of numbers organized around the theme of iridescence: music that lights up the darkness. The AFO organization is a BlueDorian project; for the latest information on its activities, sign up here (BlueDorian website) to receive the BlueDorian newsletter.
The idea for such an ensemble was developed gradually over the better part of a decade, finally formalizing in 2013 with the adoption of the designation “orchestra” to reflect the revolving nature of the group’s membership; its commitment to musical precision; and its focus on development and stylistic exploration.
Configurational experimentation has been a highlight of the ensemble, which started its revival in 2013 as a five-piece keyboard-based pop ensemble, before pairing itself down to what the band now reflexively refers to as its “string-quartet” phase (2014-15), characterized by an increased emphasis on the intermingling of guitar textures, and the strategic abandoning of the drum set as the source of rhythmic cohesion. In 2016, the AFO emerged from this period, returning to the more full sound of a traditional rock band. In 2017, appearing at TeamPeh Enterprises' inaugural "TPE Expo," AFO's cabaret roots resurfaced to give life to a repertoire of theatrical and thematic numbers showcasing some of BlueDorian's current lineup of projects.
After a brief hiatus, following director Adam Farouk's medical leaves-of-absence during 2018 and 2019, the AFO reassembled in 2020 just in time to meet COVID-19's many challenges head-on. With no ability to rehearse together, AFO took to cyberspace, eventually going on to produce its most ambitious project to date: a collection of songs from the rock opera "Ray of Sunshine," written by Adam Farouk, released in late 2021. In 2022 the AFO continued this streak of sagacious audacity with an encore remote production, this time of a ten-song album showcasing Adam Farouk's “Continuity,” a rock opera which takes a deep yet humorous dive into mental illness, life with it, and the lives of people affected by it.
The AFO continues its tradition of perseverance in the face of unexpected circumstances, and assembles once again with characteristic zeal and focus. After last year's return to live performance, the group returns to present a short set of numbers organized around the theme of iridescence: music that lights up the darkness. The AFO organization is a BlueDorian project; for the latest information on its activities, sign up here (BlueDorian website) to receive the BlueDorian newsletter.
We are committed to creating true enlivened art: art that inspires, and that participates in positive change. We look to bring integrity, quality, awesomeness, rockin'-rollicking hip-humming soulful groove, and light and life, to the music we generate and to the sonic sphere we participate in.
We wish you the very warmest; may the tumult and uncertainty of 2023 be outweighed one hundred-fold by its joys. May the tides of 2024 inspire and enrich you, and convey every fibre of your being to your place of greatest peace and light. And if, through our music, we should contribute to that process in some way, we would consider it our great privilege. We look forward to seeing you at one of our performances, that we might delight in sharing with you a high-impact harmonic experience filled with both invigorating performance and affirming, connective, and inspiring music.
a d a m f a r o u k
Artistic Director
Creative Director, BlueDorian Media Entertainment |
e l i z a b e t h g e u s s
General Manager
Executive Director, BlueDorian Media Entertainment |
e l i z a b e t h l o r r e y
Project Coordinator
Performance and Media Production Specialist, BlueDorian Media Entertainment |
a n d r e w g o l d i n
Project Manager
Operations, Project Management Specialist, BlueDorian Media Entertainment; HR Specialist |
r a y t a r a n t o l a
Music Arranger and Copyist
Owner of Ray Tarantola Music Freelance Arranging, Copyist, and Transcription Services |
v a l l a r s e n
Dramaturg, Creative Consultant
Performance and Creative Specialist, BlueDorian Media Entertainment; Performer, Creator, Educator |
t i m r e p p e r t
Technical Advisor
Freelance audio producer, mixer, specializing in sound design, VO, custom music. |
a t a g l a n c e
The Adam Farouk Orchestra (“AFO”) is a live-performance musical initiative established by Adam Farouk, made up of a rotating roster of celebrated musical professionals from around the world.
|
|