Germany: Departure

Violinist Shalan Alhamwy, vocalist Rasha Rizk and pianist Benyamin Nuss.

Shalan, born in Homs and currently living in Belgium, is a violinist and composer. His music is a fusion of elements from classical, jazz and Arabic music. As well as having a music performance degree from the High Music Institute in Damascus, Shalan also holds a degree in Pharmacy from Damascus University.

Rasha Rizk has performed a variety of music, including oriental, opera and jazz, all over the world including in Beirut, Amman, Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens and in many Syrian cities. In addition, she has performed at both the Doha and Dubai Jazz Festivals. Rasha has a music performance degree from the High Music Institute in Damascus,. and has played parts in operas by Purcell and Bizet.

Benyamin Nuss, who was born in Benyamin-Gladbach, Germany, is a gifted pianist and composer. Apart from classical concerts, he also performs his music with his own Jazz Quartet.

Composed by Shalan Alhamwy.

Produced by Westdeutscher Rundfunk Köln (WDR, West German Broadcasting Cologne).

New European Songbook is presented as part of the Edinburgh International Festival and British Council season Spirit of '47.