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.
Latest on Huck
Is the UK ready for a Kabaddi boom?
Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi — Watched by over 280 million in India, the breathless contact sport has repeatedly tried to grip British viewers. Ahead of the Kabaddi World Cup being held in Wolverhampton this month, Kyle MacNeill speaks to the gamechangers laying the groundwork for a grassroots scene.
Written by: Kyle MacNeill
One photographer’s search for her long lost father
Decades apart — Moving to Southern California as a young child, Diana Markosian’s family was torn apart. Finding him years later, her new photobook explores grief, loss and connection.
Written by: Miss Rosen
As DOGE stutters, all that remains is cringe
Department of Gargantuan Egos — With tensions splintering the American right and contemporary rap’s biggest feud continuing to make headlines, newsletter columnist Emma Garland explains how fragile male egos stand at the core of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
Photo essay special: Despite pre-Carnival anxiety, Mardi Gras 2025 was a joyous release for New Orleans
A city celebrates — Following a horrific New Year’s Day terror attack and forecasts for extreme weather, the Louisiana city’s marquee celebration was pre-marked with doubt. But the festival found a city in a jubilant mood, with TBow Bowden there to capture it.
Written by: Isaac Muk
From his skating past to sculpting present, Arran Gregory revels in the organic
Sensing Earth Space — Having risen to prominence as an affiliate of Wayward Gallery and Slam City Skates, the shredder turned artist creates unique, temporal pieces out of earthly materials. Dorrell Merritt caught up with him to find out more about his creative process.
Written by: Dorrell Merritt
In Bristol, pub singers are keeping an age-old tradition alive
Ballads, backing tracks, beers — Bar closures, karaoke and jukeboxes have eroded a form of live music that was once an evening staple, but on the fringes of the southwest’s biggest city, a committed circuit remains.
Written by: Fred Dodgson