Classical, opera, Eastern, jazz and rock are among the musical style performed by Syrian female singers who graduated from the Syrian Musical Academy, becoming ambassadors of their country in world festivals and stages.

Rock singer Rasha Rizq said that her works are a reflection of the age and the cultural situation, since the artist must move away from empty musical clichés and present serious works.

Rasha noted that her music isn't against heritage, but rather against common or "Arab pop" music, and that her band's music dates back to 7,000 years ago from the days of the Aramaic and Acadian eras, when the science of harmony currently used by Western musicians was established.

In turn, classical singer Lina Shamamian said that she is currently working on a project for documenting the Syrian singing heritage, pointing out that there is a lack of curricula for Eastern music that study solfège and Eastern rhythm.

Shamamian said that the work she presents in world festivals is related to what is known as folk music, which draws upon old music and presents it in a contemporary manner, stressing that the musical heritage evolves constantly and reflects the evolution of society.

For her part, singer Shams Ismail expressed her desire to improve upon old Arab song despite her love of classical Eastern music, adding that she is preparing to participate in the opening ceremonies of the "Doha, Arab Capital of Culture 2010" along with her band.

 

In turn, singer Waad Bou Hassoun said she is currently working on Sufism poetry and texts by female poets from the pre-Islamic eras, relying on her personal experience and the old songs she heard.

Bou Hassoun pointed out that her study of the Oud instrument helped form her musical style and set her apart from her fellow graduates, stressing the need for holding workshops with Egyptian and Turkish singers at the department of Eastern music at the Academy, in addition to teaching the rules of pronunciation and vocalization.

For his part, musical scholar Ahmad Bobas called for introducing young singers to old music and teaching them the rules of Eastern music, noting that many signers today who study at the Eastern music department know very little about the principles of Arab singing, but they work hard on their own to compensate.

Bobas pointed out to several promising new talents such as Linda Bitar, Sylvie Sleiman, Shahd Barmada and Nancy Zaabalawi.  SANA