Finding the meaning of home, of place and of identity through an intimate musical experience
"When I play the oud, I'm playing my feelings, my thoughts."
Syrian singer-songwriter Aya Mhana takes her seat, pauses for a moment, and starts playing an instrument with over 3,000 years of history. The melancholy sound of the oud (pronounced ood) fills the Memorial Park Library Branch.
Having braved the minus 30-degree winter weather, a crowd of lucky Calgarians listens to the traditional music of Syria and the moving story of Mhana's journey to the city.
The performance was part of Instrumental Stories. A chance for Calgarians to listen to local performers play the instruments of their culture, and learn about the history and importance of everything from the construction of the instrument, the meaning of particular songs, and its role in community and identity. It's part of the ongoing partnership between CBC Calgary and the Calgary Public Library.
On this night the oud - an instrument with a long and storied history in the Middle East.
As Mhana explained ,the instrument's name comes from the Arabic: Al Oud, which means thin wood. Always handmade, Mhana talked about how the oud has been played by many musicians across cultures and lands including Persia, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece.
Between her heartfelt songs, Mhana explained how the pear-shaped instrument traditionally has 11 strings, while modern ones may have 13-strings. The strings are arranged in pairs, with the lowest pitched strings on the left and the highest pitched strings on the right. She played notes to show each string in action.
This is the Eastern grandfather of the guitar- Aya Mhana
The 'grace notes' of the evening were in the details Mhana shared with the audience - the historical background of her traditional music which goes back to ancient Sumer. With a deep sense of history she shares stories of where the first written musical notation was discovered, and how it ties into a cultural continuity.
In speaking with Tarik Robinson, the host of CBC's Radio One's Key of A, Mhana, who came to Canada as a refugee, also shared stories of her homeland, her culture, and her new life in Canada. Her stories brought up the deep emotions and profound connections that underpin her music.
"It's about reflecting. It's about breathing," she told the small audience.
Instrumental Stories is an intimate experience. In the welcoming room at this oldest of Calgary libraries, the audience sits close to the performer. It offers a much different experience than a concert hall, or a traditional performance space.
As she speaks about her homeland and the traditions of her culture, the scenes of her hometown, the colourful houses and streets, the smells and the sounds, it becomes clear how much Mhana misses her homeland.
There were tears, and laughter in this musical journey.
Mhana explained how for her playing the oud is more than just entertainment.
Rather, it is a way of bridging the gap between her memory and present-day reality. It's a way of preserving her culture and her identity in Canada. Mhana shared how she feel great happiness and gratitude for being in Calgary, and how happy she was to find the celebration of cultures here. She spoke of the welcome and support she has received in her years here, yet, understandably, she misses her home.
For many in the audience, listening to Mhana was a deeply moving experience - a reminder of the power of music that connects culture. During a question and answer session, someone mentioned how happy they were to hear their traditional music being celebrated. Another shared how their own country's musical tradition shared much in common with that of Syria.
Instrumental Stories is a shared cultural experience, rooted in music, and building bridges.
"This is my first time attending Instrumental Stories. I would describe it as the globe in one room where you are opening up our eyes and ears to a new culture," said Rawd, a member of the audience.
The sharing and music and culture expanded and the event actually went a little longer than expected, to the happiness of the audience. At the end, Mhana invited everyone to join her in singing Hal Esmar Ellon, a beautiful song of ancient origin.
After the final note had sounded, everyone in the audience had a chance to talk to Mhana, and to each other; to share what they had experienced after Mhana showed the power of music that can bridge divides, connect people and broaden perspectives.
Our next Instrumental Stories will be held on March 30 where Aditya Chaudhuri will take us on an exploration of the beautiful and complex world of Hindustani Classical Music through the sounds of his voice, the tanpura and the sitar.
You can register for that session here.
