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NZSO Beyond Words Concert
In March 2024, almost five years on from the 2019 mosque attacks in Christchurch, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) presented the concert, “Beyond Words.” At the heart of the concert was the first performance of “Ahlan wa Sahlan,” commissioned by the orchestra from the New Zealand composer, John Psathas.
This is John, speaking of his composition and explaining the Arabic greeting “Ahlan wa Sahlan”:
“In a world often divided, this concert is an expression of peace and unity. Along this journey connections form, wisdom accumulates and transformations shape our path. Join us in uncovering the story of how this piece of music came to light, through the eyes of the composer, the musicians, and the community that inspired it. This is a story of collaboration, inspiration, and the power of music to unite.”
It’s a poignant reflection that seems to us to speak to the experience of many.
The Christchurch Invitation played its own small part, in conversations with John Psathas and the NZSO, responding to their questions on cultural, spiritual and community issues. Watch “Ahlan wa Sahlan” here:
Here, too, John reflects on his own experience in coming to the writing of this music. He recalls how, when he was growing up, he would have really liked, “to feel some strong sense of welcome, some strong sense of belonging, of being a part of something.”
