To the applause of hundreds, percussionist Bahjat Antaki stepped onto the stage alongside Syria’s national symphony orchestra for a historic performance at the Damascus Opera House. This marked the first classical concert at the venue since the departure of President Bashar al-Assad, signaling resilience in the country’s artistic community despite years of war and political change.
For the musicians, the event was a testament to their perseverance. “We are here and able to produce art,” said Antaki, reflecting on the impact of years of civil conflict. “We will continue, and we will be stronger and more beautiful.” The 24-year-old’s words echoed the sentiment of many artists hoping for stability and continued cultural expression in Syria’s new political era.
Following Assad’s removal on December 8, the orchestra’s activities had been temporarily suspended as the country transitioned away from decades of authoritarian rule. While many in Damascus feel a sense of relief, others express concern about the direction the new leadership—rooted in Islamist factions—may take regarding personal freedoms and artistic expression.
The new government has repeatedly assured the public that Syria’s religious and ethnic minorities will be protected and that the country’s transition will be inclusive. However, some artists remain cautious. Violinist Rama al-Barsha, 33, noted that under the previous administration, musicians received little financial or symbolic support, and she hoped for more encouragement in the future.
The concert was led by conductor Missak Baghboudarian, a member of Syria’s Armenian minority, and featured compositions by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Syrian artists. The audience included European and Gulf Arab diplomats, as well as Syria’s new acting health minister, Maher al-Sharaa, the brother of interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The performance paid tribute to Syria’s war victims, beginning with a minute of silence for the more than 500,000 lives lost since the conflict began in 2011. Images of the country’s war-torn cities and mass protests were projected onto the stage, alongside photographs of Alan Kurdi, the young Syrian refugee whose death in 2015 became a tragic symbol of the crisis.
Despite the cold winter night, the venue remained unheated due to financial constraints, and both musicians and technical staff performed voluntarily. Audience member Omar Harb, a 26-year-old doctor, expressed hope that such cultural events would continue. Similarly, Yamama al-Haw, 42, described the concert as a powerful reminder of the Syria she loves. “The music, the people—this is the best image of Damascus,” she said with optimism, believing that better days lay ahead.
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