Songs for Syria – Al Firdaus Ensemble

We are working with the Al Khair Foundation to raise awareness of its educational projects in Syria and to encourage interested members of the public to assist in funding these projects which are aimed at supporting children with sustenance, education and psychosocial support, particularly for infants living in some of the worst-affected parts of the country.

The Al Firdaus Ensemble is a group of performers with roots in both Eastern andWestern music who currently live in Andalusia, the historic base of La Convivencia, that golden age when Christians, Jews and Muslims lived peacefully together in an Arabic-speaking culture.

The unique sound of the Ensemble is due to their synthesis of many different musical styles, including the Western classical tradition, Celtic folksong,Flamenco and traditional Sufi music from Arabic, Andalusian and Turkish sources. The group has performed to great acclaim at concerts and international festivals in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Morocco and Tunisia.

The Ensemble was founded in 2012 by the English violinist and singer, Ali Keeler, and includes members from England, Spain and Morocco. They take theirinspiration from the word Firdaus, the Arabic name of the most elevated abode in Paradise. Just as the musicians tune their instruments, so they need to tune their hearts to receive the inspiration of the moment and transmit that to the audience. The traditional Arabic term for this kind ofmusic is sama which may be translated as “the art oflistening”.

There will be a short interval during the performance in which the Al Khair Foundation will give a brief presentation of their work.

Visit www.alkhair.org to learn more about current campaigns being carried out by the charity. ’

You are invited to participate in what will be a truly wonderful evening and to give your support to small children in Syria and help bring an end to their suffering.