The Syrian guitar trio, Orontes Guitarists, will showcase their diverse blend of classical, Arabic, Middle Eastern, jazz, and South American musical influences at the Steinbach stage this November.
“People will experience a wide range of moods and scales, hearing both traditional pieces and more contemporary works from modern composers,” said co-founding member Meer Mahmoud. “Audiences can expect to hear new rhythms that, while not absent from Western music, are not as prevalent as they are back in Syria. We hope this will make for an engaging performance.”
Joining Mahmoud will be the other two founding members, Gabi Al Botros and Orwa Alsharaa.
The trio, named after the Orontes River that flows through Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey, originated in Damascus, Syria, where the members first met while studying at the conservatory of music in 2015. Their musical journey took a pivotal turn in 2016 when they met classical guitarist Susan McDonald in Beirut, Lebanon, who encouraged them to form a group and offered mentorship.
“Our foundation is classical guitar, but we incorporate various styles into our music. Recently, we have been arranging Arabic and Middle Eastern music for classical guitar, sometimes infusing elements of South American music as well,” explained Mahmoud.
In 2017, seeking to escape the turmoil of the Syrian Civil War, the group applied for the Artist Protection Fund, which aids artists facing threats to continue their work in safer environments. They eventually settled in Victoria, British Columbia, where they now reside. Since 2019, they have been touring across Canada.
“The majority of our program will feature Lebanese, Syrian, and Turkish music, along with some jazz standards and a few tangos. While we will perform new compositions, there will also be familiar pieces for the audience,” Mahmoud added.
The group aims to blend different guitar styles to represent their heritage and various cultures. Mahmoud emphasized the importance of showcasing Arabic music in their performances.
“As an artist, your background and the music you grew up listening to shape your character. It deeply influences your artistic expression, whether through music, painting, or any other form of art. Sharing this heritage is akin to inviting someone into your home and serving them a dish your grandmother taught you to make,” he said.
This will be Orontes’ first performance in Steinbach. Mahmoud noted that while audiences can expect some recognizable pieces, most of the music will be new. He believes that regardless of the audience’s background, there will be something captivating for everyone.
“The guitar is a universally popular instrument, and people will anticipate various sounds from it. In Syria, if you play the guitar, listeners might expect a Western sound. However, when we play Arabic music on the guitar back home, they perceive it differently. Here, the focus will be more on the melodies and music rather than the instrument itself, reflecting the listeners’ diverse backgrounds. We hope everyone finds something intriguing in our performance.”
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