Solidarity concert for Syrian children

EMMA for Peace is presenting on 10th July 2014 a solidarity concert for Syrian children in Ischia (Italy), in collaboration with UNICEF Italia and William Walton Foundation.

The event will take place in La Mortella Gardens, the extraordinary Mediterranean and subtropical garden created in 1956 by Susana Walton, the Argentinian wife of Sir William Walton.

Syrian violinist and composer Maias Alyamani will perform on the stage of the Greek Theatre of La Mortella along with the award-winning London’s un-conducted string orchestra 12 ensemble, which stood out in many British festivals. The music program will include Venetian Baroque as well as works from Middle East. Longa Nahawand, an extraordinary score celebrating the encounter between East and West composed by Maias Alyamani, that will be performed for the first time in Italy. Sonata for strings, one of William Walton’s favourite pieces, will close the evening.

“It is a very precious effort from EMMA, UNCEF and William Walton Foundation to support this event for the sake of Syrian children.- says Syrian musician Maias Alyamani- All these organisations earned a very respectful reputation around the world due to their act in the past, and I am glad that they care about and try to support children in Syria. We need to be all one hand against all the wars, as there are no winners but only losers. Feeling such a sympathy and all this support makes me stronger and able to hope for a better future for my people and my country”.

According to the latest UNICEF report, 5,7 million children are hurt by Syrian conflict, 1,4 refugees are in the neighboring areas. More than 11.000 children have been killed in the Syrian civil war, more than 8.000 children reached Syrian borders without their parents, 37.498 were born as refugees, and 1 million children live in areas under siege or in areas that are very difficult to be reached. More than 4.000 schools have been damaged, destroyed or used as refuge.

“I am happy to be alongside of EMMA for Peace for this important event supporting Syrian population.” – declares Andrea Iacomini, UNICEF Italia spokesperson. “ More than three years of conflict made Syrian children cope with terrible violence. They still have to face such situations and experiences that no child should even know. Thanks to EMMA for Peace and to this important event we will go on underlining a conflict that has been shocking Syrian children for years. We cannot forget them, let’s highlight together this emergency.”

Through music, EMMA for Peace would like to create a common ground, a place of encounter where people may discover again the importance of hearing, communicating, expressing themselves and continuing telling stories of emergencies, difficulties, crisis to let civil society and institutions stay focused on these topics. It is through the support for this initiative that William Walton Foundation confirms its commitment to promote music’s ethical and social value.