What are your early musical memories?

I remember my uncle Waleed entertaining my sister and me by singing and playing funny songs on the piano. I also remember my parents and grandparents singing along to Fairouz, who is a famous Lebanese pop singer. My grandfather also played the oud, and as a kid in the late 90s and early 2000s, I’m pretty sure I was The Wiggles’ biggest fan.

Elizabeth Younan

When and how did you first become interested in composition?

I was 12 when I first started making things up on the piano. When I was 14, my sister Lauren introduced me to Beethoven and I became (and will always remain) completely enamoured with his music. That is when I resolutely decided to become a composer.

Who would you consider your most significant musical influence?

Bartók. His works are immaculately crafted, and I will always be in awe whenever I come back to his six string quartets.

How would you describe the kind of music you set out to compose?

I deeply value organicism, motivic economy and structural integrity. I aspire to create works...