David Farnor | On 25, Jun 2016

The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians will stream a live concert tonight (Saturday 25th June) on YouTube with Damon Albarn and guests.

The orchestra, led by principal conductor Issam Rafea, first played with the songwriter and producer at the Damascus Opera House in 2008. The Orchestra later performed on the Gorillaz track White Flag, before joining the band on their 2010 world tour, which included shows in Syria, Lebanon and across Europe and North America.

As a result of the current on-going conflict, many Syrian musicians – including Issam Rafea and other members of the Orchestra – have been forced to leave their country. This special concert will reunite the Orchestra, alongside Albarn and other guest performers, to highlight and celebrate the remarkable music and culture of Syria.

Guests include Bassekou Kouyaté, Bu Kolthoum, Eslam Jawaad, Faia Younan, Julia Holter, Lotfi Bouchnak, Malikah, Mounir Troudi, Noura Mint Seymali, Paul Weller, Rachid Taha and TALA.

Presented by Africa Express, the concert at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall will take place at 7.30pm.

The live stream will be hosted by music artist Faia Younan alongside FlyWithHaifa, with communities around the world hosting viewings around the world, including at the YouTube Space in New York and Berlin, at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts Brussels.

You can stream the concert on Africa Express’ YouTube channel at youtube.com/africaexpress, with the whole thing also available to stream on-demand afterwards.

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