Damascus, July 24 (SANA) Syrian traditional music took center stage at a cultural evening in Damascus’ Mazzeh district, where the Qasab Ensemble and choir performed a selection of heritage-inspired songs and melodies, blending traditional sounds with contemporary arrangements.
Led by Mohammad Eid, the ensemble presented a program highlighting Syria’s rich musical heritage, including muwashahat, Aleppine qudud and traditional folk songs associated with social occasions. The performance aimed to preserve and promote Syria’s musical legacy while introducing it to younger audiences.
The event at the Arab Cultural Center in Mazzeh highlighted the role of cultural institutions in safeguarding artistic heritage and passing it on to future generations. Organizers said reviving traditional music helps showcase its diversity and its continued place in Syrian cultural life.
The ensemble performed a range of well-known songs reflecting the depth of Syrian musical traditions and the role of art in preserving collective memory.
Mohammad Eid, founder and leader of the Damascus-based Qasab Ensemble, told SANA that the group seeks to preserve heritage music while presenting it in a modern style using traditional instruments such as the flute, oud and qanun.
He said the ensemble includes 15 choir members and 15 musicians aged between 6 and 40, who perform Aleppine qudud and other traditional pieces while exploring musical modes including Ajam and Hijaz.
The evening drew a large audience of traditional music enthusiasts who interacted with the ensemble’s collective performances and melodic arrangements.
Yahya Omrani, one of the attendees, said the audience response reflected a desire for cultural events that revive musical memory and offer authentic artistic experiences while strengthening ties between performers and audiences.
Another attendee, Afraa Saleh, said the event brought together people of different generations and demonstrated the ability of traditional arts to unite communities around shared cultural values and strengthen social connections.
The performance was part of ongoing efforts to preserve Syrian traditional music and present it in a contemporary form. Organizers said heritage preservation is not only about documenting the past but also about keeping cultural traditions alive through performance and ensuring their continued role in Syria’s cultural landscape.
T.S/ABD
