Rawafed hands over Jazz Lives in Syria and Oriental Landscape to Hannibal Saad
Today, Rawafed, the Cultural Project of the Syria Trust for Development, handed over the operation of Jazz Lives in Syria and Oriental Landscapes to Hannibal Saad, the festivals’ artistic director. The handover is in keeping with Rawafed’s mission of supporting creative projects until they can operate and sustain independently.

Previously spearheaded by the Swiss Embassy, Rawafed has been organizing Jazz Lives in Syria since 2008. Now in its sixth year, the festival has become a renowned event for local and international jazz musicians, and includes workshops with jazz experts and performers.

In 2005, the workshop series lead to the inception of The Syrian Big Band, the first Jazz Orchestra in the country.

The agreement will also see Saad manage all aspects of operation for Oriental Launched in 2009, the festival consists of international oriental music concerts and conferences in Syria with composers, lecturers and musicians from around the world.

Besides being artistic director for both Jazz Lives in Syria and Oriental Landscapes, Saad founded the Syrian Big Band and Irtijal Band. He was also in charge of the oriental music file for Damascus Arab Capital of Culture 2008, and is a member of several international music organizations.

Nada Osman Alaeddine, Rawafed’s project manager, noted, “We are happy to turn over operations of Jazz Lives in Syria and Oriental Landscapes after such a successful run and a wonderful reception. Rawafed has been proud to support these projects throughout their development, and we look forward to seeing them evolve as independently operating festivals.”

Saad also added, “Following successful collaboration with Rawafed, I look forward to continuing the festivals’ important mission of creating platforms that develop and strengthen Syria’s music scene, and establish its international importance.”

• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?
• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?

• Assad appoints a 29-member Constitutional Committee, for a new constitution by next February
• Sam Dalla: Was the Chinese model that good?