The online fundraiser concert for Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees is on Saturday 27 June at 7:00 pm, featuring the sublime, exquisite and moving music of Ayman Jarjour (guitar) and Maya Youssef (qanun). The money raised will help support vulnerable Syrian refugees rebuilding their lives in the Sevenoaks area, as part of the UK Government’s Resettlement Scheme.
Internationally renowned Syrian classical guitarist Ayman Jarjour has performed worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall in New York, and studied in Madrid and Juilliard. Now living in Scotland he is the 2020 Arts and Culture Ambassador for the Scottish Refugee Council.
Ayman returns to help Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees with a varied programme including Classical, Spanish, Latin, Modern and Syrian music, to support Syrian refugees resettling in the Sevenoaks area. Here’s a clip of Ayman in performance, and his website.
Maya Youssef is hailed as ‘queen of the qanun,’ (BBC) the 78-stringed Middle Eastern plucked zither. For her, the act of playing music is the opposite of death and destruction; it is a life- and hope-affirming act and an antidote to what is happening, not only in Syria, but in the whole world.
Maya’s debut album Syrian Dreams, produced by the legendary Joe Boyd, was highly-acclaimed in music press around the world (including this review in the Guardian) and has led to her performing on prestigious stages such as the BBC Proms and receive prestigious awards such as the Arts Council of England Exceptional Talent Award, Songlines Music Award and The German Critics' Record Award. In perhaps her highest honour, the Year 6 class of Dalmain Primary School in London is named ‘Youssef’ in recognition of her inspirational work. Currently, Maya is writing and recording her second album with support from the PRS Women Make Music. She appears regularly in the media, including these recent appearances on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4.
Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR) will use the money raised to help support the resettlement of vulnerable refugees in the Sevenoaks area. Previous grants have included living costs incurred whilst in hospital, Eid and Christmas gifts, clothing, necessary equipment for the houses, bikes, books and travel for English lessons, laptops, professional tutoring, professional qualification exam fees, swimming and football courses and social outings. In addition, the charity has used its funds to help to secure two additional rental properties by supporting the landlords to carry out improvements to the properties.
The charity works in close partnership with Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council and the support agency Clarion Housing Association, who are commissioned by KCC. SWR provides local practical support to refugee families in their area and finds private landlords willing to take part in the government-funded rent payment scheme.
The refugees are making good progress with the hard work of resettlement, with English lessons continuing remotely during the COVID-19 lock down. Ahmad said “The life in Sevenoaks is good. It is a beautiful town. People are friendly and it is very safe for me and my family. My children can get a good education here.” Zaynab agrees and said ““Now I just want to move forward and not look back.”
Tickets for the online fundraiser concert are here.
Contact: Humphrey Pring 07947 426661
