Title, Duration, Place, Year, Publisher, Dedicated to, Premiere (performer(s), place, date)

HAGIA SOFIA, 8', Bayonne, 2011, Schott, to Sabine and Siegfried Petri, Naji Hakim, Inauguration of the Vleugels organ in the Schlosskirche, Chemnitz, Germany, 18.09.11

In commissioning this work, Hans-Georg Vleugels invited Naji Hakim to pay tribute to history's legendary churches, such as the Hagia Sofia of Istanbul and the Schlosskirche of Chemnitz. The Schlosskirche, a former Benedictine abbey, was the catalyst for the foundation of the city of Chemnitz.
The composition, Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom), is based on the medieval antiphon "Crucem sanctam subiit", which was suggested by the composer's son Jean-Paul due to its likely links with the Templar Knights. It is articulated in four harmonic and ornamental variations (Maestoso, Andante, Maestoso, Allegro) and is framed by a solemn organum setting of the medieval theme.