Like many other musicians, violinist and Syrian refugee Sari Alesh has had to pivot during a global pandemic this year, as many opportunities to perform live have been cancelled.
“Well, unfortunately, as a musician, as a violinist, for everyone, it's much harder now to play. So all the events, they are canceled. Most of my friends, musicians, they're not working now,” said Alesh.
Live performance spaces in Victoria have been shut down due to social distancing regulations. Some venues, such as the Logan’s Public House on Cook Street, a popular live music venue in Victoria, have gone out of business.
Alesh participated in a number of online performances throughout quarantine. But apart from receiving the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Alesh finds that teaching music online has been one of the ways many musicians have been surviving lockdown.
“Regarding the support, I applied for the Canada emergency benefits for a few times. So I'm trying to cope with it, to perform and to do some work, to play music online. I'm teaching also online violin lessons. So this is another way I noticed many of my friends also, they are teaching online. Sometimes some performances online. But it's not really the same when you're performing online,” said Alesh.
Alesh, who was born in Syria and immigrated to Victoria in 2016, began studying music as a child. He attended the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus and went on to play for the Syrian Symphony National Orchestra. Alesh explains that while he didn’t come from a family of musicians, they always encouraged him to play music and specifically to learn the violin.
Alesh discussed the importance of exploring different styles of music, especially since moving to Canada.
“I did many concerts in the Middle East, in Europe, many different places. And when I came to Canada, I started completely playing different music. You know, the music in Canada is different. So, it was different experience," he said. "When I arrived in Victoria, I started learning different styles, exploring different music.”
Alesh has a YouTube channel where he posts videos of his musical performances. In May, he garnered attention when he posted a tribute video for the loved ones of a mass shooting in Nova Scotia that killed nearly two dozen people.
“Unfortunately, when this tragedy happened, it was surprising to me to hear that this kind of incident happened in Canada. So I felt very sad when I heard about this tragedy and decided, just try to do something to be able to support,” said Alesh.
Alesh talked about his response to the tragedy and his view on the healing nature of music during the global pandemic.
“Of course, it was COVID time. And in COVID, it's much harder for people to communicate and, and to work. And I thought I could somehow help to play some music, I thought it might be a good idea to play this song, amazing grace and dedicated to the people, people's families in Nova Scotia. And yeah, unfortunately, because of COVID, as well, there is no way to participate to support. And for sure music is healing, it's the only healing in this time," said Alesh.
To hear music from Sari Alesh, visit his youtube page.