ODE TO SYRIA: An Evening of Refugee Music, Arts and Stories 

Featuring award-winning composer and pianist Malek Jandali

With contributions from Lachlan Murdoch (STARTTS) and Bashar Hanna and the Choir of Love

7.00 for 7.30pm start | Arts exhibition and reception with complimentary refreshments from 8.45pm

Ode to Syria will be an evening celebrating the healing power of the arts to overcome trauma. Over the course of the evening, refugees from diverse backgrounds will share their stories, music and art, and award-winning Syrian composer and humanitarian Malek Jandali will speak about the inspiration behind his work and showcase original compositions performed by the Malek Jandali trio. 

Inspired by his homeland, the Syrian people, and their quest for freedom and human rights, Malek Jandali's music gives a voice to the resilience and hope of his people. 

"I believe that everyone has the tools to help, but each person’s tools are different. Mine happen to be music and art, and I feel very blessed and humbled to have the opportunity to use my music to help the children of Syria in this way." 

His concerts have captivated audiences around the world, and on this special night during his first-ever visit to Australia Malek Jandali will lay bare the personal side to his music, reflecting on the inspiration and emotion behind his works.

This major event will be a highlight of Refugee Week, and will feature original works performed by the Malek Jandali Trio. Malek's works integrate ancient melodies from Aleppo and the Silk Road into compositions that celebrate Syria's rich musical heritage.

German born, Syrian-American composer and pianist Malek Jandali is a leading figure in today's music world. He was honoured with the 2013 GUSI International Peace Prize and the 2014 Global Music Humanitarian Award for his ongoing world tour "The Voice of the Free Syrian Children" and dedication to peace and humanitarian causes. In 2015 he founded Pianos for Peace, and was recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York alongside Itzhak Perlman as a Great Immigrant for his contributions to society. He has performed with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, Zagreb Philharmonic, The Stockholm Solister, and on major concert stages in London, New York, Vienna, Madrid, and Dubai. See full bio at: http://malekjandali.com

Marking National Refugee Week 2017 and International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (26 June) 

Complimentary refreshments will be provided by the Fairfield Parents Café.

*Please note St Stephen's is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

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