Music in the Time of Covid: We Carry On

<p>The London Syrian Ensemble is a powerful collective of some of the Damascus Conservatoire’s finest musicians. Now based in the UK, these artists mix traditional Middle Eastern instruments – ney (flute), kanun (zither) and oud (lute) with violins, violas, double bass, percussion, and stunning guest vocalists. Their powerful rhythms and impassioned maqams are derived from Syrian musical tradition, creating a truly unique cultural experience. Using their very individual sound, the ensemble skilfully recreates both twentieth-century Syrian classics as well as modern-day music in the form of instrumental pieces, improvisations and songs ranging artfully in emotional depth. Covid-19 has made it challenging for them to get together in person and most of their activities have been moved online, but they recently performed live again in Milton Keynes.</p> <p><br></p> <p>-----</p> <p>This material is part of the <a href="https://cov19chronicles.com/" target="_blank">Covid Chronicles from the Margins</a> project, funded by The Open University and The Hague. The project aims to highlight the impact of the pandemic on refugees, asylum seekers & undocumented migrants.</p> <p><br></p> <p><a href="https://cov19chronicles.com/gallery/art-work/the-london-syrian-ensemble/" target="_blank">This item can also be found on the Covid Chronicles website.</a></p>