Syrian National Orchestra to reunite at special London concert
- Text by Adam White
- Photography by Southbank Centre
A leading Syrian orchestra is reuniting for a rare concert this summer at London’s Southbank Centre. The perception of Syria has recently been so monopolised by stories of conflict that little attention has been granted to the local popular culture decimated in the civil war. One such institution to find itself scattered across the world in the wake of atrocity has been the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music (SNOAM).
Formed by the late Iraqi conductor Solhi al-Wadi in 1993, the orchestra has travelled the world and in 2004 took up residence at the Damascus Opera House. But since the uprising against Bashar al-Assad began in 2011, the Opera House has been regularly targeted in airstrikes, international performers have declined to appear, and visitors have dwindled. Conductor Missak Baghboudarian, who works regularly at the Opera House, told the Times of Israel that concerts and plays still take place, but sporadically and with a skeleton staff. “It is not easy to play when you hear every day that people are dying,” he said. “But music is life – it brings people together.”
For SNOAM, the summer concert (designed as the first in a potential series of events this year) marks the first public performance by the entire orchestra, led by conductor Issam Rafea, since 2011. Appearing as support will be several so-far-unannounced guests, as well as Damon Albarn, who previously worked with the orchestra on the Gorillaz track White Flag. The orchestra then went on to join the band on their 2010 world tour.
Africa Express Presents The Syrian National Orchestra occurs on Saturday 25 June, and tickets can be bought at the Southbank Centre website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
What we’re excited for at SXSW 2026
Austin 40 — For the festival’s 40th anniversary edition, we are heading to Texas to join one of the biggest global meetups of the year. We’ve selected a few things to highlight on your schedules.
Written by: Huck
Wu-Tang Clan forever, and ever
The Final Chamber — RZA, the spiritual leader of one of the most important hip hop groups of all time explains why they won’t rest until their legacy is secured.
Written by: Yoh Phillips
On The Mountain, Jamie Hewlett’s Gorillaz explore life after death
Going East — As everyone’s favourite animated band release their latest album, the visual artist behind it all catches up with Josh Jones to chat about the grief and spirituality underlining the record, as well as his learnings from how other cultures approach death and the afterlife.
Written by: Josh Jones
Lisette Model’s ’50s jazz pictures were nearly lost to McCarthyism
The Jazz Pictures — A landmark new book edited by Audrey Sands uncovers nearly 1,500 photographs from the genre’s golden age previously thought to be lost. Featuring the likes of Billie Holliday, Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong, they tell both a story of music and resistance in the face of oppression.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Analogue Appreciation: Murkage Dave
Brut Thoughts — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, alt-pop chronicler of modern life, Murkage Dave.
Written by: Murkage Dave
Despite volatility, Syrian artists are painting brighter futures through the haze
After the fall — Just over a full year since the collapse of Assad’s dictatorship, the country’s political and social outlook remains fragile. But a new outlook means a blank slate, and a grassroots arts scene is blossoming. Jessie Williams meets the photographers, painters and sculptors forging a new path.
Written by: Jessie Williams
