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Another priority for veteran artists is stopping the talent exodus, which has potential to accelerate as the country opens up. Abdullah Chaddeh, one of Syria\u2019s most renowned international musicians, spent over a decade in London, where he arrived on a scholarship after graduating from the Damascus Institute of Music.<\/p>\n
One of the most acclaimed contemporary players of the qanun, a traditional string instrument, Chaddeh returned to Syria in 2011. 10 years later, he has now opened a concert hall in his own home, giving young artists a stage for the first time. \u201cThe main problem for musicians is having a job in Syria and earning enough money,\u201d Chaddeh explains to me.<\/p>\n
He managed to buy back his parents\u2019 Damascene house, which they had sold, and transformed it into an artistic haven where young creators can dream and perform at home, without having to leave the country. It is located in a Christian neighbourhood and features an interior courtyard with rows of tables and chairs, ancient stone arches, mosaic floors, and contemporary art on the walls behind the stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they work as hard as they do in Europe, they will succeed here too,\u201d says Chaddeh. After years spent in Europe and the United States, he always felt something was missing. Now, he has started his own discussions with the Minister of Culture to play an active role in shaping Syria\u2019s new arts and music scene.<\/p>\n
It makes for a tense time within the country\u2019s traditional music institutions. Many of the old guard, who were appointed to their positions during Assad\u2019s reign remain in their posts, with others refusing to join them. Azzawi claims that he will not return to the orchestra until he believes that it is inclusive and community driven, in a similar state to how it was before 2011.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t remove corruption and dictatorship from people\u2019s minds in a few days or weeks, it will take time to return to normal,\u201d Azzawi says. \u201cBut we\u2019re ready to do it together. That\u2019s why I didn\u2019t flee, I wanted to see how it ends.<\/p>\n
Andrei Popoviciu is an investigative journalist. Follow him on X<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Alexandra Corcode is a photojournalist. Follow her on Instagram<\/a>. Buy your copy of Huck 81 here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram<\/a> and sign up to our newsletter<\/a> for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/em>
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