With the release of a new musical offering, “Palestinian Lullabies”, we are pleased to share the following blog from our partners, the Silkroad Ensemble.
“As artists, we are not only creators but also stewards of societal consciousness. It is incumbent upon us to engage with the world around us and to use our craft as a means of reflection and commentary.”
This quote comes from violinist/composer and Silkroad Ensemble member, Layale Chaker. Layale is one of over a dozen Silkroad artists who last month collaborated to bring forth a musical offering by Silkroad entitled “Palestinian Lullabies.” This project was initiated after a moment of reflection by Silkroad’s artistic director, Rhiannon Giddens, and members of the ensemble who felt compelled to use their art to remind the world of our shared humanity, in spite of our differences. The act of singing a child to sleep is a reminder of the profound bond between parent and child- a universal theme that resonates with listeners across the world.
In true Silkroad fashion, “Palestinian Lullabies” was a collaborative effort led by Giddens and the Artist Committee, an artistic leadership committee composed of three ensemble members elected by their peers. The effort also received the full support of the Silkroad board and staff. In total, 18 Silkroad musicians contributed to this project, including Silkroad’s sole visual artist, Kevork Mourad, who used his live drawing and animation techniques to accompany the music. Bassist, Shawn Conley meticulously mixed and edited each individual recording while violinist and composer, Chaker, who is of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, curated the two lullabies, recorded the melodies, and translated the lyrics into English ensuring wider accessibility.
In an effort to broaden the reach and impact of “Palestinian Lullabies,” Silkroad partnered with Musicians Without Borders to release the project on Youtube and social media. This collaboration allowed “Palestinian Lullabies” to be heard by a broader audience and has garnered attention from around the world. “Collaborating with Musicians Without Borders has been instrumental in amplifying the reach and impact of our project. Their expansive network and shared commitment to using music as a force for positive social change provided us with invaluable support and resources. Through this partnership, we have been able to connect with audiences and communities far beyond our initial sphere of influence, and amplify the potential for meaningful dialogue and engagement” says Chaker.
Creating meaningful dialogue is a core tenet of the Silkroad ethos and has been since its inception. It is the hope that through this project and collaboration with Musicians Without Borders , the message of connection and shared humanity will be better heard and understood. It is also the hope that this project will activate other artists and organizations to use their voices of influence to engage in these sometimes difficult but always important conversations.
A final question asked of Layale about this project was surrounding that point exactly: if you could give one piece of advice to other musicians or ensembles who want to use their artistic medium to address real-world challenges or impact change, what would it be?
“My advice to fellow musicians and ensembles embarking on similar initiatives would be to remain steadfast in their convictions and unwavering in their commitment to amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. The journey may be fraught with challenges and obstacles…but it is through the transformative power of art that we can effect real and lasting change. Art has always been, and will always be, the most authentic reflection of human history. Trust in the potency of your creative vision, and never underestimate the profound impact that music—when wielded with purpose and integrity—can have on the world around us.”
You can listen to Palestinian Lullabies on Youtube.
