VIDEO: Syrian Kurds establish first children's orchestra in Rojava

QAMISHLO, Syrian Kurdistan (Kurdistan24) – Amid the Syrian war, the Authority of Culture and Arts in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) announced on Sunday the establishment of the first orchestra for children in the city of Qamishlo.

After about nine months of training and musicians’ support and efforts, 32 children whose ages range from 7 to 16 formed the orchestra.

Speaking to Kurdistan24, Mohammad Saleh Ismail, a musician and orchestra trainer, said the orchestra is the first in Rojava and the Middle East, and fourth in Asia and Africa.

“We’re working to reach an international level,” he added.

The opening ceremony was attended by eminent personalities in Rojava, including intellectuals and musicians, opened and concluded by pieces of international music played by the orchestra.

Most attendees highly appreciated the establishment of the children’s orchestra in such hard times Rojava is experiencing.

“The establishment of an orchestra for children aims at drawing a smile on the children’s faces, especially in times of war and destruction,” said Berivan Younes, the head of Tourism Authority in the Kurdish-ruled Jazira Canton of Rojava.

Shivan Tamo, a Syrian Kurdish musician, applauded the project and discussed the role of music in the lives of Rojava children.

“When children learn music, they form a strong base and structure for the coming generation,” he said.

The founders and orchestrators further pointed out they had the idea for this orchestra nearly 10 years ago.

However, the lack of financiers and tools prevented this dream from coming true.

With the support of the Authority of Culture and Art belonging to the self-administration of Rojava, the dream became a reality.

Amid the violence and devastating civil war in Syria, many cultural activities are held every year in Rojava. These events include the Afrin Short Film Festival in April and Kurdish Language Day in May.

Recently, Kurdish libraries and centers were created to provide social and artistic activities.

The Nahawand Center for Developing Children’s Talents in the Kurdish city of Amuda was established last year, and Rodî û Perwîn library in Kobani in May.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany