Syria, along with five countries, participates in organizing the World Harp Day

Syria participated in the “World Harp Day” through the musician Rahaf Sheikhani. She performed with musicians representing 50 countries around the world, musical pieces that related to the culture of every player’s country.

The fact that Syria is one of the founding countries for this event, along with Russia, Switzerland, China, Spain and America, granted it special significance. 

This event held with the aim of introducing many cultures, styles and folklores through musical instruments , from the Sumerian harp to the Iranian and Irish, to the modern classical instrument, the Grand Concert, as well as electrical instruments.

The event was broadcasted on the official event channel via the Internet from the Russian city of Saint Petersburg in an attempt to achieve a global cultural and humanitarian integration that acquired the character of a marathon. The broadcast time exceeded seven hours.

“The World Harp Day”, seeks to create a wide musical movement that includes professional and amateur musicians, through which they carry out activities in virtual space and street performances. They can also organize lectures to promote the concept of coherence among nations, preserving historical heritage and contributing to spread awareness in addition to cultural, social and environmental values that contribute to making the world a better place.

In a statement to SANA, player Sheikhani expressed pleasure to represent her country in this event. She indicated that the event’s organizing team seeks to register the World Harp Day in the official record of the United Nations of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Regarding her participation in the event, the musician explained that she presented two musical works by contemporary Syrian composers of two different styles and personalities, namely: “Solo for the harp instrument by Zaid Jabri” and “Rondo for the harp instrument” by Muhammad Othman. She pointed out that this piece filmed in Dar Al-Assad with logistic assistance from the technical team.

It is noteworthy that Rahaf Sheikhani is a main player in the Syrian symphony. She teaches harp instrument at the Higher Institute of Music and the Solhi El- WadiInstitute of Music. She holds a master’s degree from the Italian Conservatory of Santa Cecilia, and a BA from the Visual Communication Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts. She has participated in workshops with international harp musicians.

 Amal Farhat