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Event
A Concert For Syrian Refugee Relief
Please join us for an extraordinary evening of music in support of Syrian refugee relief.
We're thrilled to welcome the world-renowned Syrian trio Hewar.
Hewar - the word means "dialogue" in Arabic - is an attempt to transcend the barriers of musical disparities and misconceptions. The ensemble brings together a fresh and diverse musical palate and influences by frequently inviting guest artists, and drawing from an array of musical traditionsnamely Arabic, jazz, scat, opera and classical music among others.
Hewar features the world-renowned clarinet virtuoso and composer Kinan Azmeh, versatile vocalist and composer Dima Orsho and Oud master and composer Issam Rafea.
Detailed biographies for all three artists appear below.
The artists are donating their services, and proceeds will benefit Save the Children's Syria Children in Crisis Fund.
The concert is organized and sponsored by Tzedek Chicago and Luther Memorial Church.
Biographies
Kinan Azmeh
Hailed as a "virtuoso" and "intensely soulful" by the New York Times and "spellbinding" by the New Yorker, Kinan Azmeh is an internationally renowned clarinetist and composer. Born in Damascus, Kinan was the first Arab to win the premier prize at the 1997 Nicolai Rubinstein International Competition, Moscow. Kinan holds degrees from the Damascus High Institute of Music and the Juilliard School of Music, and earned his doctorate degree in music from the City University of New York in 2013.
Kinan has appeared worldwide as a soloist, composer and improviser, including appearances at Opera Bastille, Paris; Tchaikovsky Grand Hall, Moscow; Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and the UN's General Assembly, New York; the Royal Albert Hall, London; Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires; the Library of Congress and the Kennedy Center, Washington DC; and the Damascus Opera House for its opening concert in his native Syria. His discography include three albums with his ensemble HEWAR, several soundtracks for film and dance, a duo album with pianist Dinuk Wijeratne and a recent album with his New York Arabic/Jazz quartet. He is also a member of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble.
Dima Orsho
Dima Orsho is a Syrian soprano who earned her Master of Music degree in opera performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music in Voice & Clarinet from Damascus High Institute of Music. Born in Damascus 1975, Dima has appeared as a soloist throughout the Middle East, Europe and the U.S., including appearances at the Kennedy Center, the Opera Bastille de Paris, the Media Park of Colon Germany, the Library of Congress and Damascus Opera House. Dima was recently invited as a guest artist to record the track "Wedding" with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble on their new album, which will be released on Sony Masterworks in 2016. She is also a member of Hewar.
Issam Rafea
Issam Rafea is a musician and composer who holds degrees in Oud and Double Bass performance, as well as Oriental Conducting, from the High Institute of Music in Damascus. Issam was the Chair of the Arabic Music Department at High Institute of Music in Damascus and the principal conductor of Syrian National Orchestra for Arabic Music from 2003- 2013. In addition to several solo appearances with the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra, Issam has performed as an oudist throughout the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, and won the 2010 "Best Composer Award" at the Dubai International Film Festival for the film "Matar Aylou." He is also a member of Hewar.
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LocationLuther Memorial Church (View)
2500 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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