Great Syriac Classic music composer Nouri Iskander passed away at 85

ÖREBRO, Sweden — Great Syriac Classic music composer Nouri Iskander, one of the pillars of contemporary Syriac song, passed away at the age of 85.

Iskander was born in Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor) in Syria in 1938. His family was displaced from Urhoy (Urfa) in Turkey to Syrian cities of Ayn al-Arab and Tel Abyad, then to Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), where he lived for 4 years. He settled with his family in Holeb (Aleppo).

Iskander is known for his work on oriental music and his search for its roots. He collected the oriental music and transferred it from oral to written heritage, especially the Syriac music.

He presented many studies, musical works and research on Syriac melodies, which he wrote down in musical notation for the first time in 2 books, according to the modern musical writing system (musical notation).

Over the past 40 years, the great musician Iskander has made an effort and time to understand and study this ancient Syrian music.

He worked on archiving and preserving the Syriac church songs and contributed to the creation of an authentic contemporary Syriac folk songs, within the native Syriac templates.

Among his most important works in the field of music are the formation and training of many choirs, including the establishment of the first choir of Mor Jirjis (St. George) Syriac Orthodox Church in Al-Surian neighborhood of Holeb (Aleppo) in 1965, the establishment of a second choir of Mor Aphrem Syriac Orthodox Church in the Sulaymaniyah neighborhood of Holeb (Aleppo) and the establishment of a choir in Sweden, named the Syriac Choir.

Iskander was director of the Arab Music Institute in Holeb (Aleppo) between 1996 and 2002.

The Syrian National Symphony Orchestra is constantly working on presenting Iskander works in its various evening programs.

His compositions are academic material that is taught to students of the Higher Institute of Music in Daramsuq (Damascus).

His funeral service will be held on 4th January, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., in Syriac Orthodox Church of Mary Virgin in Örebro.
The family of the deceased stated that a prayer will be held on Sunday, 7th January, at 9:00 a.m., in Syriac Orthodox Church of Mary Virgin in Örebro.