Alarm Will Sound presents Paper Pianos, an evening-length multimedia masterpiece that delves into the emotional landscapes of dislocation, longing, and resilience experienced by refugees. Created by composer Mary Kouyoumdjian and director Nigel Maister, this work interweaves live music, recorded narratives, and mesmerizing hand-drawn animations by Kevork Mourad to tell the poignant stories of four refugees: Afghan pianist Milad Yousufi, Ethiopian judge Getachew Bashir, Somali-born Hani Ali, and Iraqi refugee Akil Aljaysh.

The title Paper Pianos comes from Milad Yousufi’s story of painting piano keys on paper to practice in silence, evading persecution under the Taliban for pursuing music. Through narratives of survival and hope, each story brings into focus the global challenges of displacement while celebrating the extraordinary strength and humanity of individuals who endure it.

Alarm Will Sound’s musicians interact with Mourad’s intricate visuals, which evoke the journeys of these individuals and the harrowing yet hopeful realities of resettlement. Kouyoumdjian’s composition integrates the refugees’ voices as central musical elements, drawing on contemporary and folk traditions to create an experience that is both visceral and thought-provoking.

Described as “a heartfelt immediacy of real-life experience,” Paper Pianos is a reflection on some of today’s most pressing global issues. As a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2024, the work has been lauded for its artistic ambition and emotional depth.

Join us for this extraordinary performance at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on May 10, 2025, at 8 PM. Witness a powerful blend of music, storytelling, and visual art that brings to life the voices and experiences of refugees around the world.