October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

Harmony of Hope

by in Charity, Finchcocks
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Harmony of Hope

Finchcocks is proud to partner with musical charity Harmony of Hope, a UK registered charity working with disadvantaged children in countries such as Jordan and Iraq.

Harmony of Hope uses music to bring healing and relief to refugees and victims of war primarily in the Middle East, helping the lives of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia, together with disabled children in Jordan. It was founded by Helena Lloyd who used to live and work at Finchcocks when a piano museum. The connection is still well and thriving through our visits to the Richard Burnett Historic Collection on our summer schools!

One child the charity has helped is Basil, who lost both his legs and one arm in the bombing of Syria. His parents abandoned him and he ended up in Jordan. Basil loves the piano as it gives him a sense of fulfillment. Here he is enjoying his new hobby after just his second piano lesson!

Another example of the charity’s work is with a small Iraqi school. As they didn’t have enough percussion instruments for all the children, they improvised with a water bottle and some pencils. This creativity added to the enjoyment! Here is another insight into what the children have experienced, are healing from and how:

To raise awareness and support the charity’s efforts, Helena transcribed and arranged a selection of music from the middle eastern regions they work with. Harmonies of Hope is a fantastic collection of songs which have been sung for centuries, now arranged for piano. The haunting tunes and harmonies are transcribed for piano, creating a new tone palate for the interested performer. The diverse keys and contrasting melodies transport the performer to different lands and different cultures, enhancing the opportunities for contrast on the piano. Many of the songs are linked to the Assyrian communities and are dedicated to the refugees who brought their songs and music with them during their difficult journeys fleeing persecution and hardship. Each song is accompanied by either a picture or a translation of the title giving the performer an insight into the lives of refugees across the world.

If you would like to support the charity’s wonderful work, click here or the button below!

If you would like to find out more about Harmony of Hope‘s work or are interested in supporting them in some way, you can email jenny @ finchcocks.com who will be happy to put you in touch!