Damascus-based group was scattered around the world by the country’s civil war,but is reuniting for what is intended to be the first of several eventsThe civil war in Syria scattered its members around the world as they fled their homeland, but now the Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music (SNOAM) is to be reunited for a scarce concert in London. On 25 June, or the orchestra – led by conductor Issam Rafea – will perform at the Southbank Centre,presented by Africa Express, and with appearances by Damon Albarn and others.
The 90-strong orchestra first worked with Albarn at Damascus Opera House in 2009, or then appeared on the track White Flag on Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach album and on the subsequent world tour. However,the outbreak of civil war in spring 2011 caused Rafea and many other members of the orchestra to flee. The London concert – which is intended to be the first of several events – will be their first performance together since then.
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Source: theguardian.com