AN ensemble of exceptionally-talented young musicians from Palestine will come together to play in Crediton, as part of Credfest activities on Friday, June 28, from 7pm, at Crediton Congregational Church.

Guest artist and rising star Iyad Sughayer, pianist will join Lourdina Baboun on violin, Omar Saad on viola, Tibah Saad on cello for a programme of Mozart and Mahler piano quartets and Arabic folk music arranged by the ensemble.

A second concert will be performed in Exeter at St Michael’s Church, Mount Dinham on Saturday, June 29 at 7pm.

The concerts will both contribute to support music programmes for youth provided by the Edward Said National Music Conservatory in Palestine and scholarships for Palestinian students to study at British music conservatories through Palmusic, a UK charity.

Omar has just completed his master’s degree in music performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow. His sister Tibah Saad is also studying at the RCS and Lourdina Baboun is in the bachelor of music programme at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Tibah and Omar are members of the Galilee string quartet which has performed throughout Europe.

Palmusic UK works closely with the Friends of Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNMC) in Palestine to nurture the musical talent of young Palestinian musicians. Key charitable initiatives include scholarships to study at British conservatories, and other projects that support musical education in and outside of Palestine.

The inspiration for Palmusic, UK to be established came from the success of the Palestinian Strings tour in 2013 which culminated in the critically acclaimed BBC proms concert with Nigel Kennedy at the Royal Albert Hall.

Palmusic UK produced the first UK Tour of the Palestine Youth Orchestra in the summer of 2016.

The Devon concerts are organised in partnership with Joy Moore of Shobrooke, with the support of Paul Vincent of Music Makers in Crediton and the Reverend Nigel Guthrie in Exeter.