Sam Slatcher is a singer songwriter living in Durham, North East England. A postgraduate student of human geography by day and a musician by night, Sam regularly performs at local venues across the North East. His gentle but uplifting songs reflect his passion for social justice and peace.
Sam is currently working on a set of songs that engages with social and political life in the UK, including exploring concepts of home, borders and belonging. For more info see: Soundcloud.com/samslatcher or https://www.facebook.com/samslatchermusic/
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The Alsoreyen Orchestra, which also goes with the name The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians, was one of the most acclaimed orchestra in Syria. All of its members, who were about 40 before the war, are either professors or students from the Higher Institute of Music, Damascus. Nine of its members now live in the UK. They have joined Damon Albarn's project Africa Express in June 2016 (http://www.africaexpress.co.uk); a CD of their collaborative work was recorded live and was released early December 2016. As part of this project, the members The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians and the acclaimed song-writer Damon Albarn have completed a world-tour over the last four months, performing in prestigious venues including the Royal Festival Hall, London. Please find below the details of the musicians we are extremely glad to welcome:
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Jamal Al Sakka: Percussion professor, Higher Institute of Music,
Damascus.
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Raghad Haddad: Viola professor, Higher Institute of Music, Damascus.
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Ossamah Kiwan: Singer.
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Hamssa Munif : Singing teacher at the Higher Institute of Music, Damascus.
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Basel Saleh: Oud and Oriental singing teacher, as well as Theory teacher of Arab music, Higher Institute of Music, Damascus.
Conductor of the Orchestra Artists Association in Syria.
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Mohammed Saleh: Qanûn professor, Higher Institute of Music, Damascus
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Lina Shaheen: Singer and Professor of singing, College of Music Education, Homs.
Student in the Master qualification and specialization in Music Education
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Omran Zain: Singer and a student at the Higher Institute of Music, Damascus.
