Malek Jandali giving Syria a voice

posted on: May 15, 2015

Malek Jandali’s ‘hauntingly beautiful’ music packed out the Carnegie Hall in New York earlier this year.

Malek, who was raised in Homs, Syria, will be performing his unique blend of Arabian and Western classical  in the UAE  this week.

What will you be performing in the show? 

The programme features my works based on traditional Syrian folk music. It also includes ‘Echoes from Ugarit’, based on the oldest music notation in the world. Many melodies are based on ancient Syrian themes and bear a personal significance for me.

Tell us your thoughts on Syria in relation to music and the arts.

Syria is the cradle of civilisation, my ancestors invented both the alphabet and music notation. The standards of music and the arts declined dramatically in the past few decades due to dictatorship. Upon finishing high school, I had to leave Syria because there were not many opportunities available to me as an artist. I won a full scholarship in one of the top universities in the US. I moved to America to expand both my education and music career.

When was the last time you visited Syria?

I was able to visit northern Syria in the summer of 2012 to meet with beautiful children who were living in refugee camps for the internally displaced. It was one of the most touching and meaningful experiences I have ever had.

What are your thoughts and hopes for the country?

Since the revolution, I have been in awe of the courage and determination of the Syrian people, especially the children. Even in the most atrocious conditions, they continue to sing, draw, learn and are unwavering in their desire to rebuild Syria and move forward in the future united for peace. This inspires me every day to keep composing, performing, producing, and touring the world with my latest project ‘The Voice of the Free Syrian Children’ to raise awareness of the crisis the Syrian children are facing.

Tell us about the ‘Echoes from Ugarit’ music you mentioned.

The music (found) on the Ugarit tablet is the oldest known music notation in the world, dating back to 1400 BC. Without the invention of the music notation by the ancient Syrians in Ugarit, there would not have been classical or pop! From Beethoven to Michael Jackson, it all started with this clay tablet off the coast of Syria 3,000 years ago.

Source: 7daysindubai.com