Perthshire Advertiser

Cultural gathering in Comrie’s White Church

- Lynn Duke

An internatio­nal cultural event is being held in Comrie’s White Church on Sunday.

Musique Sans Frontières is an afternoon of music, dance and song organised by Comrie Cares, a community-based group working to assist refugee families who have been relocated to Scotland.

The festival – part of the wider ‘Refugees Welcome’ – aims to extend a hand of friendship from a rural Scottish community to refugee families fleeing terror and oppression.

Comrie-based Earnsong Choir will open the programme with a mix of traditiona­l and contempora­ry songs.

And the exciting Maryhill Joyous Choir, comprising refugees and asylum seekers, is travelling from Glasgow to perform.

A group of five Syrian dancers is also performing, as is Ayman Jarjour – an internatio­nally-renowned Syrian classical guitarist.

Ayman has performed in venues all over the world but is currently devoting his energy and music to highlighti­ng the plight of refugees from his native country.

He has a special relationsh­ip with Perthshire as his wife, Alyson, comes from Crieff.

In addition, accomplish­ed folklorist, Gaelic singer, author and broadcaste­r Margaret Bennett will enjoy a spell in the spotlight.

In keeping with the theme of the event, Margaret’s songs will highlight the plight of Scots families who were uprooted and transporte­d to far-off lands.

Traditiona­l Scottish music will also feature, as organisers have promised a piper will make an appearance during the widerangin­g showcase.

The musical feast runs from 3-5pm on Sunday this week.

Admission is free but donations can be made to Maryhill Integrated Network and Syrian Refugee charities.

Ayman Jarjour, Syrian classical guitarist

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Performing

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