songs of sanctuary
Classical Syrian/ Contemporary Folk Fusion
Songs of Sanctuary is a fusion of classical Syrian music and contemporary folk songs performed by Sam Slatcher and Raghad Haddad, the musicians from the Stories of Sanctuary project.
Songs of Sanctuary is a more stripped back and intimate arrangement of the Stories of Sanctuary songs. The repertoire includes many of the songs from the Stories of Sanctuary project arranged for guitar/piano and viola alongside ancient Syrian folk tunes and some of Sam’s more recent songwriting on the theme of sanctuary.
The first ‘Songs of Sanctuary’ performance took place at The Cumberland Arms in Newcastle on March 24th 2019. Sam and Raghad have also appeared at the V&A for Refugee Week 2019 (see video from the rehearsal below). In Autumn-Winter 2019/2020, Sam and Raghad will be touring Songs of Sanctuary to new audiences across the UK. If you are interested in hosting Songs of Sanctuary, please get in touch here.
"Timely, emotional and beautiful"
- Sean Cooney, The Young'uns
Raghad Haddad
Raghad Haddad is a highly accomplished viola player from the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus. She was a member of the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and has performed in the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim. After seeking refuge from the Syrian civil war in the UK in 2016, Raghad now performs with the Orchestra of All Saints MAS in Brighton and the London Syrian Ensemble.
"Dripping with emotion"
- LeftFieldDurham