Syria

This cello suited was commissioned for Jeffrey Zeigler.  Al-Sham is the Arabic nickname for Damascus, and the first movement “Barada” takes its name from the river that flows through it.  The second movement “May 25th” captures the grief and disgust of the massacre that day at Houla  The third movement  “Naaman’s Song” represents a cleansing and recovery in the river.  The final movement “Shora” is a vigorous dance celebrating the vitality and strength of the Syrian people and the ability of the human spirit to recover after suffering unspeakable loss.  (Excerpted from the composer’s notes)