Malek Jandali, born in Germany to Syrian parents in 1972, is an award-winning prolific composer and pianist. For the first time in his career, Jandali will be performing in the historic Cadogan Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London on June 19. Jandalis musical career began in 1988 after winning the first prize at the National Young Artists competition followed by the 1997 Outstanding Musical Performer Award in the United States. Jandali is the first Arab musician to arrange the oldest music notation in the world, which was featured in his 2008 album Echoes from Ugarit. He was the recipient of the 2011 Freedom of Expression award in Los Angeles for his song Watani Ana I am my Homeland, as well as his activism in the Arab Spring movement for human rights and democracy. In 2012, he was recognized in New York City with the Arab-American Cultural Achievement Award. Jandali shares his passion for his homeland and the inspiration of his latest album “Emessa”, which includes original compositions recorded with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra.

What has been the reaction regionally and internationally to Freedom Qashoush Symphony? Art is about beauty, truth and freedom. The role of an artist is to be the true voice of the people and mirror the reality on the ground. I composed Freedom to support all people, anytime, anywhere, in their noble, peaceful quest for liberty and human rights. The reaction was amazing both here in the US and back home in Syria and throughout the Arab world. The music was a bridge between the Arab Spring movement and the world in an attempt to tell the story of a true Syrian artist Ibrahim Qashoush who was murdered during the peaceful demonstrations of the Syrian revolution.

What is the message of your music? The message of my music is universal and my role as an artist is to spread the message of peace, harmony and love through music. I have the responsibility to ensure that the voice of the people is being heard, and is not tainted with fear or oppression.

Which Philharmonic orchestra would you most desire to play your music with? As you know, I recorded both Emessa and Echoes from Ugarit with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra in Moscow. Performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is wonderful. I dream to perform my music with a world class Philharmonic orchestra, which we still lack in the Arab world but the Vienna Philharmonic is definitely on the top of my list.

Your song Watani Ana brought great trauma to your family. Do you think Syria can achieve the freedom and peace your song speaks off? Every day, the brave people in Syria are faced with atrocities and crimes that are much more vicious than the attack on my parents. The kidnapping, torture and murders of thousands of innocent civilians, including women, children and even babies is nothing short of crimes against humanity. The first peace treaty in human history was recorded in Homs, Syria at the battle of Kadesh in 1274 BC when the Syrian people chose love and peace over hatred and war. Today, this free spirit of love and freedom is alive again after thousands of years. All Syrians regardless of their religion, ethnic background or race are marching for freedom similar to what the American people and the French people did when they demanded their beautiful freedom that they are enjoying today. The time has come for the Syrian people and we are paying a very high price. The people in Syria know that freedom is never free but the beat of freedom is unstoppable and the voice of the people will never be silenced again.

Your elderly parents were forced to flee Syria. How do your parents feel about the song now? My beloved parents loved the song prior to my release date on April 17 the Independence Day of Syria. Today, after the brutal attack by the Syrian government security forces, they dont just love it but they adore it. My courageous mother and wise father told me that this assault is worth at least one song of yours so keep going son. This was a source of both motivation and inspiration from the two most important people in my life.

Why do you think your song scared the Syrian government so much? This regime has proven to the world that it is incapable of true, meaningful dialogue and reform, and is prepared to eradicate any semblance of opposition, even peaceful demonstrations. When this regime realized that they could not stop the universal message of peace and humanity, they resorted to actual violence against my family and murdered over 3,000 innocent Syrian.

What impact do you think your song has had, both here and in Syria? The Syrian people have taught me, and the world, lessons in courage especially those who have sacrificed their lives while chanting for freedom and dignity. I hope that my five-minute song provided them some comfort and support. I believe that this simple song helped in building a musical bridge between the Arab Spring peaceful revolution and the American people who are now more aware of the atrocities committed by the Assad regime against innocent Syrians.

You are one of very few composers/musicians speaking out against Assads regime. Why is that the case? In Syria, all artists are limited in one way or another. The government controls all aspects of the arts and media, and therefore we lack true, free artistic expression. This strategy restricts the advancement of artists and results in hollow, fictitious art. In short, when there is no freedom, there is no true art. This brutal regime also controls people abroad through intimidation and illegal tactics by a staff of Syrian embassies from Washington, DC to London.

What is next for you? My journey will continue in my upcoming album Emessa (the Roman name of the city of Homs), which will reflect the historical events of the peaceful Syrian revolution. I just came back from Moscow after recording my new album with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra. I will dedicate this album to the Syrian people, especially in Homs since the highest number of martyrs, so far have been from this city of peace.

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