SYRIAN MUSIC EXCHANGE Our Music Exchange Program took place in Damascus, Syria in 2010. Under the auspices of local partner ECHO Musical Cultural Association and American producer Brian Unger, the program provided an opportunity to connect American artists with local Syrian musicians and encourage the growth of Syria's budding music scene. The program provided training and the creation of new music, including its production and distribution, which can be heard on the "Songs of Syria" album. The "Songs of Syria" album includes work by the following Syrian musicians who play both traditional Syrian and classical instruments: Fattet Laabet, Hewar Band, MAqam (led by violinist MAias Alyamani), Shafi Badreddin, Twais Quartet, Women's Takht. The hope is that our "Songs from Syria" can expose Americans to the rich and vibrant music of Syria and open up more pathways of engagement with the Syrian community. Learn more here: http://www.openhandsinitiative.org/programs/culture.html