The "Echo" Cultural Musical Association, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Dar Al Assad for Culture and Arts invited music lovers to attend its first annual gala concert given by the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra and the Choir of the High Institute of Music conducted by Maestro Missak Baghboudarian at the Opera Hall – Dar Al Assad for Culture and Arts. The hall was full with an enthusiastic audience when President Bashar Al Assad, accompanied by Mrs. Asmaa Al Assad and ministers and diplomats entered the Hall and were greeted by the audience with cheers and smiles. The first item was T. Albinoni's (1671-1751) Adagio for organ and strings. The organ part was played by Mr. Evgeny Avramenko and the solo violin by Miss Maria Arnaout. This is a superb gem of fine theme with deep dramatic emotions that penetrate the inner depths of human souls. It was performed with thrilling sonority and sentiment. From Mozart's "Magic Flute" Miss Lubana Al Quntar, soprano, sang Aria of the Queen of the Night and her singing was most impressive, powerful and marvelous. The audience responded with high ovation. Now Miss Rasha Risk, soprano, and Mr. Pierre Khoury, baritone, sang the Duet "Papgeno – Papagena" and were highly successful in their singing of Mozart. Now Mr. M. Othman, Bouzoq, played with the orchestra a Syrian Tango by the late M. Abdulkarim. This is Oriental music and improvisation in a modern vestment.

From Verdi's "I Vespri Siciliani" the SNSO played its Overture. From Meyerbeer's "Dinorah", Miss Rasha Risk sang "The Shadow Song". From Bizet's "Carmen" the SNSO played the Overture, then Miss Suzan Haddad, mezzo-soprano, sang "Seguidilla and Habanera" and her singing was most impressive and thrilling, then Mr. P. Khoury sang "O Toreado" and won high applause. From Johann Strauss II Miss Lubana sang "Czardas" from his operetta "The Bat" and was wonderful, then the orchestra played the "Polka" and aroused much applause. From Rossini's William Tell, the Orchestra played the overture and to end, the Orchestra and Choir performed " O Fortuna" from Carl Orff's famed "Carmina Burana". This fantastic item aroused the highest ovation.

Roses were presented to the solo artists, the conductor and the lovely Victor Babienko, the choir master. President Bashar Al Assad and Mrs. Asmaa Al Assad greeted the artists and took commemorative snapshots with them. Thus ended one of the most enjoyable and highly meaningful concerts of the season. The audience greeted the President as he and Mrs. Assad left the hall, then the audience were invited to a reception at the foyers of the Dar. To "Echo", to the SNSO and the Choir, to the Dar, to all who participated in this concert, and to the Ministry of Culture, we wish them all well and look for more such marvelous concerts in the near future.

ST No. 7093 Sun 3.6.2007
Dr. Sadek Pharaon
e-mail: spharmd2@scs-net.org