The Adam Farouk Orchestra

August 14, 2024

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.

Current Lineup:

ADAM

VLADE

COLLEEN

DAVE

ELIZABETH

DAVID

JENGA

Project Summary:

The idea for the Adam Farouk Orchestra (or "AFO") 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. This year marks the AFO’s return to live performance, with the group set to present selected highlights from both "Ray of Sunshine" and "Continuity" in concert form . The AFO organization is a BlueDorian project; for the latest information on its activities, sign up here (BlueDorian website) to receive the BlueDorian newsletter.
Website: www.adamfaroukorchestra.com