Damascus, July 7 (SANA)Western classical music and traditional Arabic musical heritage came together at theDamascus Opera Houseon Monday during “Syria: The First Symphony,” a concert featuring Syrian pianist and composer Gaswan Zerikly alongside the Arab Music Ensemble for Heritage Revival.The performance brought together Beethoven’s classical piano repertoire with Andalusian muwashahat, traditional Arabic instrumental music and Sufi whirling, presenting a musical dialogue between European and Arab traditions.

Zerikly opened the evening with a piano sonata by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, before the ensemble performed Sama’i Nahawand by the late composer Ruhi al-Khamash, followed by instrumental improvisations and a selection of Andalusian muwashahat.The program concluded with a performance by a Sufi whirling ensemble featuring devotional chants and religious hymns.Speaking to SANA, Zerikly said the title “Syria: The First Symphony” reflects Syria’s historical significance as the birthplace of the world’s earliest known musical notation, discovered in the ancient city of Ugarit.He said the concert was designed to highlight the artistic dialogue between European classical music and the classical Arabic traditions represented by muwashahat and Sufi music.Salah Qabbani, conductor of the Arab Music Ensemble for Heritage Revival, said the performances aim to introduce younger generations to traditional Arabic music, particularly Andalusian muwashahat, which he described as an important part of Syria’s cultural heritage.

He said the ensemble is developing new programs to preserve and promote classical Arabic musical traditions while encouraging greater appreciation among younger audiences.Qabbani added that exposure to both Western and Arabic musical traditions enriches artists’ creative experiences and strengthens cultural dialogue.Zerikly, born in Damascus in 1954, has taught music in Damascus, Berlin and Cairo and has received several awards in Syria, Lebanon and Algeria. The Arab Music Ensemble for Heritage Revival specializes in preserving traditional Arabic music through performances of muwashahat, classical poetry and traditional songs.