Songs of Sanctuary – Syrian Music Concert

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. Join us for this concert where Sam and Raghad will present an intimate arrangement of songs, including arrangements of guitar/piano and viola alongside ancient Syrian folk tunes and some of Sam’s more recent songwriting on the theme of sanctuary.

About the collaboration

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, has performed in the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and now performs with the Orchestra of All Saints MAS in Brighton and the London Syrian Ensemble. Raghad was granted asylum in the UK in 2017.

Sam Slatcher is a musician, singer-songwriter and community arts facilitator. Sam is passionate about engaging different communities in the process of storytelling through songwriting. His honest and reflective songwriting, delivered with a calming and delicate voice captures the warmth of humanity and a longing for peace and justice.

Tickets available online for £10 (£5 for sanctuary seekers), free entry for children up to 12.

All profits raised go to York City of Sanctuary

“It was really moving hearing the stories and hearing the voices of those who are often overlooked and unheard, who have actually undergone the dangers of migration/ seeking refuge”

– Audience member – Stories of Sanctuary

“The deftness of collaboration is the most striking element, bringing forth the voices of those who are often overlooked and unheard through music”

– Songlines

“Timely, emotional and beautiful”

– Sean Cooney, The Young’uns

“Songs of Sanctuary speaks loudly of hope in the midst of difficulty and hardship, light in the midst of dark and dangerous times.”

– Gareth Davies-Jones