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Taking steps towards peace with Islamic devotional music

Venessa Anthony

The Muslim Choral Ensemble (MCE) Ambassadors for Peace recently began phase two of the undertaking that takes shape as the World Muslim Choral Ensemble (WMCE) Ambassadors for Peace.

An intimate gathering, taking place at Ishq Colombo, marked this milestone where the 10 international choristers and instrumentalists participating in the event, from India, Iran, Pakistan, the US, and Sri Lanka, were introduced to the audience. They are set to perform from 18 to 24 July, leading up to a performance and closing ceremony at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on 24 July at 7 p.m. The inaugural WMCE will focus largely on Islamic devotional music traditions of South Asia and perhaps Iran.

Their repertoire will largely embrace Islamic spirituals including Nasheeds, Qasidas and Naats, styles connected to South Asia. It is planned as an annual event, to grow globally in order to link more Islamic devotional music traditions from diverse regions across the world.

Speaking at the event was ethnomusicologist and Artistic Director Prof. Andre de Quadros, who noted the importance and significance of such an event and highlighted that this is the moment for all of us to come together as a single community, as we all are experiencing the same hardships.

He also told the audience about his time spent on working with refugees at the US-Mexico border, where he witnessed firsthand the hardship of people who escaped violence, deprivation, and poverty. “I understand how difficult it can be for so many people. And for that reason, I’m grateful to you for your presence, and grateful to you for your support,” he said, adding that the event is very timely and important during the current period. He further added that this event kept getting postponed due to Covid-19, but that he now believes that this was all for good purpose, as the timing could not have been any better.

Prof. Quadros added: “We’re also grateful that we are able to start the most important aspect of human endeavour which is to be together, face to face, in person, sharing the same space and spirits together.” Expressing his gratitude, he noted that working via Zoom is never as good as being together in the same space.

Taking the stage later to address the crowd was Executive Director Haadia Galely who took the opportunity to thank the professor for sharing her dream. “We would not have been able to initiate the ensemble had it not been for Professor Quadros believing me and backing me up every step of the way. Without him, I don’t think I would have ever, ever been able to unfold this dream and vision.” 

Observing the crowd gathered, she noted that seeing everyone present today despite all the shortcomings the country is facing, made her believe that they are onto something really good and powerful for the community. Concluding, she stated: “I hope you continue to be behind us, encouraging us and giving us all the support.”

WMCE choristers and instrumentalists will continue to embrace unity in diversity by acting as Ambassadors for Peace. Choristers and performers from around the world who become part of the WMCE will commit to serve, celebrate, and use their voices and music for peace-building. Galely also shared that the WMCE forges a path to peace by gathering choristers and instrumentalists from across the world to participate in this celebration of Islamic culture.

“These Ambassadors for Peace of the World Muslim Choral Ensemble are committed to performing devotional repertoire found within the Islamic faith, which spans more than a millennium and is found amidst the rich cultural heritage of Muslim communities across the world.”

With the upcoming performance, Galely stated that WMCE will take off from Sri Lanka and move across the world. It is an endeavour not for profit but for peace, she noted, saying: “We are in the performing arts, but beyond the performing arts. There is so much that we are fighting for in this conflicted world, and WMCE focuses on the end result: Peace.”