Symphony “Sayfo – The Syriac Genocide” played by the Syrian National Symphonic Orchestra in the Opera House in Damascus under the auspices of His Holiness Patriarch of the syrian-orthodox church Mor Ignatius Aphrem II. (November 16, 2015) Composer: Thomas Ücel Conductor: Andre Maalouli Check out my new homepage made by Johannes Ucel: www.thomasuecel.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Between 1915 and 1917, during the First World War, many Christians were killed and expulsed out of their villages and hometowns in the Ottoman Empire. The number of the victims is in the millions; 1.5 million Armenians, and around 500,000 Syriacs (Aramean, Assyrians, Chaldeans) and other Christian denominations became martyrs. Many historians consider these massacres as the first genocide of the 20th century. Many countries and states have recognised it as a genocide, e.g. France, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Austria to name a few. Turkey still denies this fact and claims that this genocide did not happen. Hundred years later, I have taken care of publishing my composition "Sayfo". Its aim is not only a personal one, but a general one; justice for the Syriac people. One must argue with history in the present. The recognition of the genocide in 1915 on the part of Turkey is absolutely necessary. It is a necessary step in the direction of a more peaceful future. Comprehension leads to communication and improvement. The issue has to be handled, instead of just talking. This is the reason why I wanted to concentrate the attention on this conflict with my symphony. I come from a family whose origin is from the Aramaic region between Syria, Turkey and Iraq. The Aramaic word "Sayfo" means sword which illustrates the atrocity of the genocide during the First World War. Because my family and friends were involved in this historical tragedy, I can express through my music with adequate passion and pain what my Aramaic compatriots felt and thus give it a personal touch which leaves an impression at the listener. This work is a means of communication for all the Syriac people. My symphony “Sayfo” is divided into three movements. 00:00-00:50 At the beginning of the first movement, after the ouverture, the music expresses the routine and beauty of the life of the Syriac people. It is about their innocence and ignorance regarding their cruel destiny which is on the way to them. The musical scenes proceed slowly to the Ottoman attacks where they are marching to the Syriac villages and destroy them with brutality and kill children and old people. The Genocide happens. 00:50-02:12 All the music parts in the second movement describe the devastation, resignation and the killed people who are laying on the fields everywhere and their bloods flow through all the streets in their hometowns. The only thing the Syriac people have and which nobody can take away from them is their belief in God. This is the reason why I insert three times the “our father” (abun d’baschmayo) in three different melodies. 02:13-04:17 The number three symbolises the Holy Trinity. Through this prayer and the love of God, the Syriacs don’t lose their hope, stand up and don’t give up. They know God will help them in this tough time. 04:18-05:51 With all the hope and belief in God, the Syriac people stand up, go on and build up their new life in the third movement. Some of them take refuge in Europe, while others stay in their homeland. The music is heroic, especially at the end of the symphony: dancing, moving, like moving forward, and powerful. The thoughts and feelings about Sayfo come back in the mind of the Syriacs. It is unforgettable. But the Syriacs brace themselves, demonstrate and act against it worldwide. Everybody will hear their voice! Everybody will know that they never give up until the worldwide recognition of the genocide! It hurts still today. And even in these days, many Christians are being killed. Sayfo is not history; it is still present and happens again with the folk in Syria. The war has to be stopped. The premiere of my symphony “Sayfo – The Syriac Genocide” was played at the right time at the right place!

• published: 11 Dec 2015
• views: 1650