This summer, Africa Express presents the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians, featuring current and former members of the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music in a rare series of concerts co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Arts Commission and Holland Festival.
Songwriter and producer Damon Albarn first played with Syrian conductor Issam Rafea and SNOAM musicians at the Damascus Opera House in 2008. Albarn later worked with Rafea and members of the orchestra when they appeared on the Gorillaz track ‘White Flag’ – which debuted at an Africa Express concert in Paris. The musicians, together with Rafea, later joined Gorillaz on their 2010 ‘Escape to Plastic Beach’ World Tour which included shows at the 11th century Citadel in Damascus, Syria, as well as dates in Lebanon and across Europe and North America.
As a result of the on-going conflict, many Syrian musicians - including Issam Rafea - have been forced to leave the country. This special concert will see musicians who previously worked with Albarn, travelling from both inside and outside Syria, to reunite for an orchestral performance alongside Albarn and other guest performers. The event will highlight and celebrate the remarkable music culture of Syria, providing a more positive perspective than events currently seen in the news.
More festival dates for Summer 2016 to be announced soon.
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Issam Rafea said: “The fabric of Syrian society has been torn apart as a result of the conflict. At these performances, there will be people representing both sides of the argument present both on stage and in the audience. But all are in agreement that we want it to end. It’s a wonderful opportunity to show the world another side to the Syrian story – joy and a celebration of our music and culture.”
And Damon Albarn added – “This will be a great night. I’m sure Issam and the musicians will create a beautiful, neutral space with this positive music. We’re so used to seeing Syria through the prism of news, which is entirely a negative thing. This concert will give a completely different perspective. It’s a truly miraculous sound they create…There’s a whole choir, there’s strings, there’s soloists, there’s amazing percussion. It’s a really dynamic and joyous sound.”
To listen to Issam Rafea and Damon Albarn talk about the concerts on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme click here.
Africa Express presents…The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians with Damon Albarn and Guests is co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions and Holland Festival. 14-18 Now is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, and by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
