Following last year’s successful concert, the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) hosted its second intercultural Musical Dialogue ‘Diversity in Harmony’, featuring a performance by the ensemble Music in Touch (MIT).

MIT assembles the Austrian pianist and creative jazz professor Christoph Cech and the popular Syrian Oud-player Orwa Saleh. Together with different artists, MIT has performed numerous times over the past year in Austria as a trio. At KAICIID, they appeared together with the Vienna-based Syrian vocalist Basma Jabr. The programme included traditional Syrian songs in fusion with standard-jazz, best described as a contemporary journey through the Orient.

Director General Fahad Abulnasr welcomed the music lovers to the ‘House of Dialogue’, highlighting music as a form of dialogue. The power of musical dialogue was in particular evident during the performance of Refugee, composed by the two Syrian artists. Orwa Saleh then touchingly thanked the Austrian population for opening their arms to refugees and the world for opening their hearts to the Syrian people.

The Musical Dialogue concluded with a reception, allowing the numerous guests to discuss their impressions and to engage in dialogue.

KAICIID’s second intercultural event was well received by the public, gathering more than 80 culturally interested people in the Centre’s Hall of Dialogue.

Information about the Artists

Basma Jabr, currently based in Vienna, is a Syrian Vocalist, interpreting traditional Arabic songs.

Christoph Cech is a renowned pianist and composer from Vienna, with numerous international concert experience. His compositions include musical works from various chamber music formations to big symphonic works and operas. In addition, he was the director of the Jazz and Improvised Music Department at the Bruckner University in Linz, Austria.

Orwa Saleh, residing in Linz over the past four years, is a Syrian oud-virtuoso and composer. He studied Arabic Music at the Higher Institute of Music in Syria, and at the National Conservatory in Lebanon. His compositions combine elements of Sufi-music with influences of contemporary Jazz-music in Europe.