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PRESS RELEASE
16 June 2009
Simon Shaheen performs for World
Refugee Day and Gaza Children
Damascus, 16 June 2009
Palestinian 'oud player Simon Shaheen graced the
stage of the Dar al Assad Opera House on 16 June in a concert to
commemorate World Refugee Day.
He was accompanied by the UNRWA Nimreen Children's Music Ensemble, the
Syrian National Symphony Orchestra under its conductor Missak
Baghboudarian, and guest soloists from Syria.
Simon Shaheen is one of the most significant Arab musicians, performers
and composers of his generation. After completing graduate studies at
the Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University in New York, he
went on to form the Near Eastern Ensemble and al Qantara. With them and
as soloist, he performs over 100 concerts a year around the world,
presenting music in the classical Arab traditions and a fusion of the
Arab legacy with contemporary forms. Since 1994, he has produced the
annual Arab Festival of Arts, Mahrajan al-Fan, in New York. He is also
in great demand as a teacher, from his renowned Arabic Music Retreats at
Mount Holyoke College in the USA to music workshops for gifted children
in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The concert programme reflected Simon Shaheen's embrace of many
different styles of music. He gave the first performance in the Arab
world of his concerto for 'oud and Western classical orchestra with the
Syrian National Symphony Orchestra. He played a selection from his most
popular recording, Blue Flame, with guest jazz musicians. The children
of the Nimreen Ensemble also joined him in a medley of tunes rooted in
the Arab classical tradition and cross-cultural world music.
"I was impressed by the enthusiasm and potential of those young
musicians," said Shaheen, after conducting music workshops for Palestine
refugee children in Yarmouk and Neirab Camps.
Welcoming the audience to the concert, Filippo Grandi,
Deputy Commissioner-General of UNRWA, explained that World Refugee Day
was created to remember and acknowledge refugees for their courage in
rebuilding their lives, and to celebrate their contribution to the
community. "This concert is also part of UNRWA@60 activities. For sixty
years, UNRWA has worked toward a better future for Palestine refugees,
and today plays a pivotal role in their intellectual, physical, social
and economic development across the region. "Grandi said.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the "For the Children of Gaza
Campaign", launched by UNRWA in January in cooperation with the
Syrian Government and partners from the private sector and civil
society.
For information only
Not an official record
For further information please contact:
Hala Mukhles
Office: 6133035 ext 314
Mobile: 0933416591 |
