This meeting of Syrian Arabic poetry and Syrian Kurdish music promises to be a stirring and unforgettable night!
Enjoying Samir’s poems does not require understanding the words (although the English translations will be projected on screen if you choose to follow them!). The emotions he infuses into his words are complemented by Peshang’s powerful music.
This event is part of Celebrating Syria 2018: a Festival of Arts and Culture. For the full programme, please visit www.celebratingsyria.org
Samir Kanou
Samir is a paediatric doctor and a poet born in Damascus in 1971. The son of of one of the most prominent figures in Syrian theatre, Omar Kanou, Samir has various interests in art, music and theatre and has published multiple poetic, medical and political articles in a number of Arabic newspapers and websites. His previous works include: The Beaches of Butterflies, The Boats of Homecoming, and The Anthem of Cold and Freedom.
Peshang Abdulhannan
Peshang is from Afrin, Rojava and is proud of his Kurdish heritage. He studied medicine at Aleppo University and graduated as a doctor in 2004. In 2006 Peshang came to the UK and began working towards a career in surgery. In August 2014 he co-founded Kurds House, which is a not-for-profit, non-political organisation based in the north of England, supporting Syrian Kurds and Arabs alike. Peshang has a Music degree from the Arabic Institute of Music in Aleppo and plays many instruments including the violin, viola and tambour. He has played the viola with Aleppo Chamber Music and the violin with the Kurdish musical group Cenga Jînê and since coming to the UK he has played with the Leeds Symphony Orchestra and Scarborough Orchestra.