The evening featured a performance of newly-created compositions that exemplified the way musical creativity has historically developed from the meeting of different cultures.
The concert reflected Mawlana Hazar Imam's 60-year-long commitment to supporting pluralism and civil society, and to providing the arts a prominent place in the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), where culture is closely integrated with social and economic development.
Master Musicians of the Aga Khan Music Initiative included:
- Feras Charestan (Qānun) Feras has performed as a qānun soloist with symphony orchestras and has been a member of popular bands as well as contemporary music ensembles – all creating new music rooted in Middle Eastern traditions.
- George Oro (Percussion) From Syria, George has been passionate about percussion throughout his life and started to formally learn percussion at a very young age.
- Basel Rajoub (Saxophone) Basel is a consummate performer, skilled improviser, and highly original composer creating new music that is rooted in a thousand-year-old tradition.
- Shadi Ali (Vocals) Shadi is a Syrian-born singer-songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist of the band Syrian band 'Gene'.
For further information on the Aga Khan Music Initiative (AKMI) visit www.akdn.org/akmi
Produced by the Ismaili Centre London in collaboration with Sofia Church and the Aga Khan Music Initiative.
