Music has the ability to bypass words and language barriers and bring us together in ways that both embrace and go beyond our differences. Join us for a morning of music making with celebrated Syrian oudist and workshop facilitator Rihab Azar, where we explore the chaos, harmony, novelty and unity in the creation of a community of sounds.
This music making workshop is for adults (all genders welcome) with any or no musical experience.
Some tuned and untuned percussion instruments will be provided. You’re invited to take part in any and all ways you’re comfortable with whether it’s your voice, body, spoken word, or simply listening; the sky is the limit! Feel free to bring an instrument if you have one.
This exploratory workshop will provide a space where we will have time to play, enjoy and celebrate each other’s presence and input. We will experience what unfolds when we join in freely, and maybe take little musical risks making sounds as a group. We might even find ourselves wanting to write a song! who knows?
Please arrive anytime from 10.40 for the soft start.
Refreshments and a light lunch provided.
Rihab Azar was born in the Syrian city, Homs to a musical family. Her father, luthier Samir Azar made her first oud and started teaching her when she was 7 years old. She continued her musical quest later at the Conservatoire of Damascus before moving to the UK in 2015, sponsored by the FCO to study music education at University College London. Arts Council England recognised her as a musician of “Exceptional Promise” in December 2016, which allowed her to continue her professional pursuit in the UK.
Rihab is a passionate music facilitator, performer and public speaker. She is currently developing this work through a traineeship with the renowned Wigmore Hall’s learning department. She has lead and co-facilitated sessions with children in schools and community venues, workshops with families and adults in supportive environments that include improvisation, percussion and voice in different community settings.
“I love to facilitate exchanges through which people can connect with their playful side in the company of others, without expectations. Exchanges where our answers can always be: Yes, and..”
As a performer, Rihab has toured internationally since 2008 and has performed in major venues across the UK and abroad. Rihab has been increasingly writing original music for solo oud and in various interdisciplinary contexts combining visual arts, storytelling, theatre and radio plays. You can find out more about Rihab at Rihab Azar, London-Based Syrian Oud Player
Photo credit James Berry
This workshop is a collaboration between Rihab Azar, Wigmore Hall Learning Department and the People of the Earth Project at St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. The workshop has been made possible with the generous support of Wigmore Hall Learning Department and Arts Council England.
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