Concert raises £2600 for charities far and near
A performance by a world renowned Syrian musician in Kippen inspired villagers to raise £2600 to help refugees.
Saturday night saw Kippen Kirk filled almost to capacity as people enjoyed a performance by classcial guitarist Ayman Jarjour.
Ayman Jarjour is an internationally renowned Syrian classical guitarist. He started learning guitar in Syria before continuing in Madrid and then attended the Juilliard School in New York. Ayman has performed all over the world, from Carnegie Hall, New York to the Edinburgh Fringe.
The evening began by projecting powerful images of the reality of the horrors experienced in war-torn Syria, a refugee camp and finally the smiling faces of two young men now settling in Forth Valley and volunteering as coaches for a boys’ football team.
Ayman invited requests before embarking on his chosen performance, playing pieces from a wide range of composers from many nationalities.
The refreshments demonstrated a taste of Syria, having been prepared by a woman refugee now living in Stirling who wanted to show her gratitude for the welcome, friendship and support she and her family had received as they began their new life in Scotland.
The generosity of many villagers and those audience members from further afield resulted in donations totalling £2600, with the sum expected to increase further with the addition of Gift Aid.
The funds will help to support two charities - Stirling Citizens for Sanctuary, which befriends and supports those refugees now settling in the area, and Medical Aid and Support for Syria, which aims to get medical supplies to areas of need in Syria.