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The world is becoming so dark, so full of war and ambition, political greed and lack of empathy, so bereft of love and consideration, that it isn’t surprising that, given our leaders’ failure to find solutions and quell the turmoil, we turn to art, and perhaps, most of all, to music. We turn to it as a way of having a voice and perhaps even as a process for keeping sane, but also as a reminder that others feel as we do. That we are not alone.
Palestine is, understandably, on many people’s minds at the moment, and SORAYA’s latest single is part of a concerted effort to raise funds, as well as awareness, for the plight of its people. A fantastic blend of pop accessibility, delicate balladry, neo-classical grace, and orchestral grandeur, she conjures images of grief and loss, which are obviously applicable to this tragic situation but, sadly, go far beyond this time and place, too. It is an offer of hope for all who find themselves caught up in such devastating and murderous events.
What brilliantly sets the tone is her collaboration with The Galilee Quartet, whose strings create a soundscape that blends Eastern exotica with Western vibes, Arabesque delicacy with occidental deftness.
“the story of the phoenix” is both a poignant and timely song as well as a reminder of the power of art, expression, creativity, and collaboration. When those who profess to lead us, who we have elected to speak and act in our name, fail us time and time again, is it any wonder we turn to the power of art, both as creators and as followers, to find solace and perhaps answers, collect our thoughts and speak truth to power?
Leaders come and go…art endures.
