Malek Jandali: Syrian-American composer, pianist, activist

Syrian-American composer, pianist and humanitarian activist Malek Jandali talks about his international mission to preserve and protect Syria’s rich embattled heritage and to build peace through music and education.  In this spirit, he founded an annual competition for young pianists and the Pianos for Peace festival in Atlanta. The Carnegie Corporation named him a Great Immigrant in 2015.  The program includes a section from Jandali’s “Variations for Piano and Orchestra.”  (Broadcast on WPKN radio on April 12, 2017 and produced by Tony Ernst.)

One Response

  1. only now listened to this for the first time…and what an extraordinary man/pianist/activist/ is Malek Jandali. Talking as one who it seems knew his home country of Syria before it is as tragically battered as it is now. The impact he obviously has in some of the very best and most meaningful musical circles, including annually in Carnegie Hall has been humbling to hear him talk about.

    Once more Hazel you bring so many significant voices to your Tidings, and I, for one am always grateful for your gentle and curious outreach into what today is our inceasingly beleaguered world in very great need of more peace and yes love and understanding…so I thank you.

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About Hazel

Born to German Jewish refugee physicians in Lahore (now Pakistan, then British India) Hazel has lived, studied and worked in many places–India, England, Australia, Israel and the United States. She makes her home in the woods of the eastern end of Long Island, New York where she produces the art of leafages, the radio sounds of Tidings and writes about growing up Jewish in Lahore. Read more about Hazel…

About Leafages

"Credo" statement

Leafages by Hazel Kahan are made from real leaves, vines and tendrils interwoven with calligraphy, decorative pen and ink flourishes and imaginary Latin botanical names. Leafages contain a philosophical or inspirational thought, quotation or verse from sages, poets or religious texts. Some leafages are specially created for an individual, a couple or a family with words or leaves reflecting their personal narrative. They are available on the Leafages shop on Etsy although the supply is low right now, all my energies having been absorbed by the book I’ve been writing. Do come back soon when the shop will be full of new leafage abundance or contact me.