Damascus, June 22 (SANA) Damascus hosted Music Day celebrations on Sunday with a series of performances by Syrian and French ensembles, as concerts took place across several cultural and historic venues, aiming to strengthen cultural dialogue and highlight music as a bridge between peoples.
Organized by the Al-Nahda Artistic Association, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the French Embassy in Syria, the program featured three musical evenings combining Eastern and Western styles and drawing a large audience of music enthusiasts.
Opera House hosts international concert
The Damascus Opera House staged a concert featuring the French School Choir, conducted by Haneen al-Halabi, alongside the Dixieland Orchestra led by conductor Dulama Shehab. The program included performances in English and French before an audience of official and diplomatic guests.
In remarks at the opening, the chargé d’affaires of the French Embassy in Damascus, Jean-Baptiste Favier, said Syria holds a rich cultural heritage in which music plays a central role, adding that cultural exchange helps strengthen ties between peoples. He said the event reflected these values through the participation of artists from different backgrounds across Damascus.
Conductor Dulama Shehab said this year’s program included joint performances between musical groups, students from the French School, and young singers, featuring a mix of Western and French repertoire. He added that Music Day, traditionally marked by open-air performances, was being revived in Damascus through cooperation between the association and the French Embassy, with plans to expand to other provinces.
Heritage venues host additional performances
At the Talisman Hotel, Syrian youth bands performed a mix of Eastern and Western pieces, alongside Syrian contemporary and traditional songs highlighting music as a universal language.
Artist Ali Qaddour said his participation aimed to showcase elements of Syrian musical heritage to wider audiences.
At the historic Azem Palace, an Eastern music evening was performed by the Troupote ensemble, attended by diplomats, artists and members of the public.
The performance blended traditional Eastern music with the historic setting of the venue, with the palace’s courtyards and arcades contributing to the atmosphere and audience experience.
Lama Antaki of the Al-Nahda Artistic Association said staging events in heritage sites adds cultural significance by allowing audiences to engage with the arts in historic settings. She said Azem Palace was chosen for its architectural and cultural value, which aligns with Eastern musical traditions.
Singer Linda Bitar, accompanied by her band, also performed a selection of classical and Eastern songs, including works associated with Fairuz, receiving strong audience engagement.
Music Day, launched in France in 1982, is now celebrated in dozens of countries on June 21 with free public performances aimed at promoting access to music.
The Damascus events highlight ongoing efforts to promote cultural activity and artistic exchange, underscoring music’s role as a universal language.
R.D/ABD
