Gifts from DAMASCUS
Gifts from DAMASCUS
SUSAN MCDONALD
Guitarist
Composer
Writer
I've spent my musical career performing all over the world, from the Amazon to Iraq and community concerts to Carnegie Hall. I've also done lots of recordings,radio and television appearances. But it was only when my dad fell ill with cancer that I began tounderstand the true power of music. I took a break from touring to spend time with him. Each night after he fell asleep, my guitar and I wandered the deserted hallways of the hospital. Patients would materialize like the ghosts they would soon become, listening in silence while my guitar did what it could to comfort us. I began to understand that music is not a performance, but rather an exchange of energy between player and listener.
After the twin heartbreaks of 9/11 and Daddy's death, consumed by sadness, I sent a desperate question out to the Universe: What now? The answer that came back to me, almost as clearly as if it had been spoken aloud, was Iraq. Three days later, I received an invitation to start a summer guitar program. In Iraq. Apparently the Universe was serious.
Thus began my journey into the inspiring world of musicians who are determined to create beauty even in the midst of chaos.
As a performer and composer, I have always expressed my feelings and experiences through music. The people I've met on my journeys into conflict regions, however, deserve to have their stories told more clearly. That is why I have become a writer. For it is through words that we most clearly share what it is to be human.
What's with the peacock, anyway?
In Gifts from DAMASCUS, the peacock represents not only theYazidi people of northern Iraq, but also symbolizes hope, beauty determination and defiance.
The actual peacock from the book, Binky, lives with me outside of Austin, Texas.
His feathers adorn the instruments of guitarists throughout Lebanon, Jordan. Kurdistan, Iraq and Syria.
Tausi Melek, the Peacock Angel
is the most important deity of the Yezidi people of northern Iraq, who believe that he helped create the world and appears in times of deep strife.
He is also known by the name of Shataan, which fanatical groups such as ISIS, consider to be Satan.
I imagine my crotchety neighbor would agree.
is the most important deity of the Yezidi people of northern Iraq, who believe that he helped create the world and appears in times of deep strife.
He is also known by the name of Shataan, which fanatical groups such as ISIS, consider to be Satan.
I imagine my crotchety neighbor would agree.
REMEMBER THE RIVER
Artists are the life's blood of any culture and it is vital that they be protected and encouraged. I've been honored by the opportunity to create and direct Remember the River, the international branch of Fine Arts Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization which was founded in Houston in 1986. Remember the Riverhas been instrumental in allowing me to continue my work of supporting and engaging with artists and their communities in Iraq, Kurdistan, Lebanon and Syria.
Our mission is to support artists in areas of conflict or isolation by offering performances, artist workshops, education, donations of musical instruments and art supplies, scholarships and mentorship.
We work in partnership with other NGOs in hospitals, orphanages, schools and refugee/ IDP camps. We focus many of our efforts on supporting teachers so they can inspire their own students, replacing desperation with hope.
Remember the River is happy to engage with community organizations, individuals and corporations to sponsor projects. Please contact me to find out how you can help.