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We are pleased and proud to announce that our Aleppo concert series has been nominated for The Ovation 2024, the prestigious award given to musicians who have achieved impressive stage performances.
The nomination for Aleppo is a recognition of the artistic vision and execution of this ambitious project, in which Cappella Amsterdam, under the artistic direction of Leonard Evers, and in collaboration with international musicians, writer Willem Bruls, lighting designer Floriaan Ganzevoort and director Kenza Koutchoukali, has been able to create a unique story.
Aleppo takes listeners on a musical journey through the rich history and culture of Syria, with an in-depth focus on the city of Aleppo, an ancient crossroads of cultures and religions.
From the judges’ report:
“In the program Aleppo, Cappella Amsterdam, together with Syrian musicians, brings an impressive musical ode to the Syrian metropolis of Aleppo. The program gives an impression of the rich musical tradition from that ancient city, which has been shaped by a cross-pollination of different cultures. This resulted in an overwhelming concert program, in which the singers of Cappella Amsterdam had to master a totally new idiom: with quarter tones, slide tones, different intonation and the pronunciation of three different languages (Arabic, Armenian and Aramaic). Not only did the choir do this convincingly, it did so with integrity and poignancy. As an audience, you are on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, thanks to the suspenseful interplay between the choir and the Syrian musicians. This is enhanced by an appropriately modest lighting design and ditto direction and the personal story told by Syrian singer Wasim Arslan between works.”
Singer and storyteller Wasim Arslan
performers
Cappella Amsterdam
Wasim Arslan narrator (English)/vocalist
Sousan Iskandar violin
Talal Fayad ud (in Middelburg)
Jawa Manla ud/vocals (not in Middelburg)
Shaza Manla qanun
Modar Salama percussion
Leonard Evers conductor
Kenza Koutchoukali final direction
Willem Bruls dramaturg
Floriaan Ganzevoort lighting design
Stefan Wiggers technique
This concert series was made possible through the generous support of the Fonds Podiumkunsten, the City of Amsterdam, and Ammodo. Without their contribution, this project would not have been possible, and we are deeply grateful for their trust and support.
