Damascus, May 1 (SANA) A jazz evening in Damascus marked International Jazz Day with a sold-out performance that blended globally recognized standards with reinterpretations of Syrian musical heritage.
The Damascus Jazz Band, led by Dulama Shehab, performed to a full house, taking audiences through a program that moved between classic jazz pieces and locally inspired compositions arranged in a contemporary style.
The setlist included well-known works such as Caravan, Fly Me to the Moon, and New York, New York, alongside pieces drawn from Syrian traditions and adapted with modern jazz elements. The performance highlighted the group’s effort to balance musical authenticity with experimentation.
Shehab said preparations for the concert involved a series of intensive workshops. While internationally known compositions largely retained their original arrangements, he noted that adapting Eastern musical structures to Western instruments, particularly those lacking quarter tones, remains a technical challenge.
He also acknowledged the influence of musician Nizar Omran, who is currently based abroad, describing him as a key figure whose approach continues to shape the band’s work.
Michael Ohnmacht, chargé d’affaires of the European Union mission to Syria, attended the event and said the strong turnout reflected growing local interest in jazz. He described the concert as a positive cultural signal and expressed cautious optimism about Syria’s recovery, pointing to the role of artistic events in fostering a sense of normalcy.
Originating in the United States in the early 20th century, jazz is known for its improvisation and ability to incorporate diverse musical traditions.
International Jazz Day is observed annually on April 30 following a UNESCO initiative to promote cultural dialogue and mutual understanding through music, with events held worldwide.
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