Whispers from Damascus

Due to unforeseen circumstances, vocalist Hamsa Mounif is unable to perform this evening. We are delighted that Ney player Bassel Seaf is able to join us.

Join us for a celebration of this year’s World Refugee Day with four leading musicians from Syria who are now based in the UK. Throughout the evening, they will share their passion for the evocative music and traditional instruments of their home country, while exploring what it means to play contemporary Arab music today.

Bringing their talents to the stage will be distinguished Oud player Basel Saleh who currently leads both the London Arab Orchestra and the Orchestra of Syrian Musicians in London, acclaimed Qanun player Taim Saleh and international percussionist Walid Zaido.

Opera North was the first opera company in the UK to be awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status in recognition of its ongoing work to make refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome and included. We are delighted to present this pay-what-you-can event on World Refugee Day, which aims to draw attention to the ongoing plight of refugees across the globe, and as part of the activities taking place across Leeds to celebrate this year’s Refugee Week.

Support from Leeds based Iranian vocalist Soheila Sabzevari.

Programme

Lamma Bada Yatathanna
Alfa Layla
Ya laylu Alssabbu
Yama Hawa
Efrah Ya Albi
Enta Alzaman
Tahmeel Hijaz
Kilma Hilwa
Medley Rast
Deggu Almahabij
Medley from Aleppo