IOR Debuts New Musicians at Houston Public Library for World Refugee Day 2021

BOSTON, MA, June 30, 2021 - The International Orchestra of Refugees (IOR) has been working with the Houston Public Library (HPL) for a World Refugee Day 2021 event titled Notes for change: Music to Heal, Learn & Shine. Notes for Change is a part of a program series called The Living Room at HPL, which gathers neighbors at the library to get to know one another, understand and discuss issues that affect their neighborhood, and share personal stories and heritage. The event was moderated by Helen Chou, Senior Manager of International Services at Houston Public Library, and also co-produced by Ana Frade, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator of International Services at Houston Public Library.

This event debuted the performance of Zubair Al Awadi, an Iraqi musician who was later resettled in Houston, TX.

“The IOR is thrilled to be working with Zubair, and look forward to continuing working with the City of Houston, the greatest state of Texas, and beyond. Zubair is a neighbor you should really get to know more about.”

-Sebastian Agignoae, IOR Founder

Arian, Zubair, and Artem performing the Refugee Anthem, composed by Arian, a resettled Syrian refugee composer, who composed the anthem for the Refugee Athlete Team that was debuted in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

Arian, Zubair, and Artem performing the Refugee Anthem, composed by Arian, a resettled Syrian refugee composer, who composed the anthem for the Refugee Athlete Team that was debuted in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

“I aspire for my playing to be an echo for all music lovers.”

-Zubair Al Awadi

The virtual event was designed to honor the musical traditions of refugees and asylum seekers across the United States, and featured a distinguished panel that discussed ways to support the music of the refugee community in Houston. The panel included:

Notes for Change also debuted another musician to the IOR community, Abraham Mwinda, who performed his original piece Where is Home?, produced by Yo Alex of Dramahouse Music and Pablo Garcia. Born in Congo and raised in Kenya, Mwinda was later resettled in the United States and currently resides in California.

“Is it the place that embraced me, the place that raised, or the place where I was born - Where is home? Home is where you can kick your feet up and relax in peace. It ain't got nothing to do with all the politics of how you look and speak. Home is where the love is real no-matter who you be. Home is where the heart is.”

-Abraham Mwinda, Where is Home?

To rewatch Notes for Change, see the video below.

Sebastian Agignoae