AMAR's Yazidi choir revives 7,000-year-old musical tradition

As Britain readies itself for the coronation of King Charles, back in 2020, the then Prince of Wales met with the AMAR International Charitable Foundation's Yazidi choir to celebrate a musical tradition which is estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. 

As the Voice of America reported, Yazidi music is divided into three different genres: folk music, which is often linked to the seasonality of agricultural traditions; ceremonial music and religious pieces. Thanks to AMAR, these unique sounds are now resonating beyond Iraq. 

Leading the project is violinist Michael Bochmann, who invited the musicians to perform at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. “The music of the Yazidi people is absolutely essential to their culture,” Bochmann told VOA. 

Hundreds of young Yazidis are being taught the instruments of their culture, including a sacred stringed instrument known as a tabor, and the daf, a type of frame drum. AMAR have also made over 100 recordings in northern Iraq, including at Lalish, the 4,000-year-old spiritual home of the Yazidi. 

These recordings are now being archived at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and at the Mosul and Dohuk libraries in Iraq. The Yazidi choir's performance infront of Britain's new King, was also the first time this cross-cultural cooperation had taken place. 

For further information on AMAR’s work with the Yazidi choir, please visit amarfoundation.org or call 0207 799 2217.