On the Occasion of World Refugee Day 2018
Under the auspices of the UNHCR Office in Cyprus
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra holds a concert to honour the strength, resilience and courage of refugees around the world. This is a time that refugees need us more than ever. Let’s stand #WithRefugees.
Born in Syria but having moved with his family to the US at the age of 13, Kareem Roustom was steeped in the musical traditions of the Near East but also, in the US, trained in western concert music and jazz. He gives us “Dabke” a folk-dance native to the Levant, the name of which is derived from the Arab word meaning “stamping of the feet” and widely performed at weddings and other joyous occasions.
George Nouneh is a Syrian refugee who now lives in Cyprus. He is a self-taught guitarist, composes and plays his own music although he can’t read or write music. He studied English literature and worked in sales, finance and marketing, yet, music is the great love of his life: “Music has kept me sane throughout some difficult times and a strong will to survive.”
Of all of Beethoven’s seven symphonies, the Second is arguably the least well-known. Furthermore, filled as it is with the composer’s musical jokes, it shocked the sensibilities of many of his contemporaries.
Kareem Roustom: Dabke for string orchestra
George Nouneh: Work for guitar and strings (orch. Y. Hadjiloizou)
L.v. Beethoven: Symphony no. 2 in D major, op. 36
Soloist: George Nouneh (guitar)
Conductor: Jens Georg Bachmann
With the support of Lefkosia Municipality and the “Friends of Lefkosia” Association
Booking & Event Information
Lefkosia: Wednesday 20 June 2018
Faneromeni Square, 20:30
Entrance free
Information: 22 463144, www.cyso.org.cy
