UNCSA Symphony Orchestra makes Washington National Cathedral debut on April 14

The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra will make its Washington National Cathedral debut on April 14 at 7:30 p.m., performing in one of the nation’s most iconic sacred spaces. Led by conductor James Allbritten, the orchestra presents a powerful program pairing Gustav Mahler’s luminous Symphony No. 4 (1901) with the U.S. premiere of Symphony No. 5 (2018) by Syrian-American composer and distinguished UNCSA alumnus Malek Jandali. Tickets are free with registration online.

Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 5 exemplifies his signature synthesis of Western symphonic form and Arabic maqams (modes), reflecting his lifelong commitment to preserving and elevating Syrian musical heritage within the classical tradition. Praised by The Washington Post as “a uniquely gifted composer,” Jandali has emerged as a major voice in 21st-century symphonic music.

The four-movement, 30-minute work integrates traditional Syrian forms — including samā’i and muwashahat — unfolding from rhythmic vitality to nocturnal lyricism before culminating in a powerful and awe-inspiring finale. The symphony received its world premiere recording in 2021 by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marin Alsop.

“It is deeply meaningful to have the U.S. premiere of my Fifth Symphony performed by my alma mater, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra,” said Jandali. “To hear the next generation of talented musicians bring this work to life, students walking the same halls where I once studied, feels like a true full-circle moment. Even more special is presenting the symphony at Washington National Cathedral, where Leonard Bernstein conducted his historic ‘Concert for Peace.’ It is always better to be together in a symphony for peace. I have long believed that architecture is frozen music, and to share my symphony in such a magnificent and inspiring space makes the occasion even more profound.”

“Making their Washington National Cathedral debut is an extraordinary milestone for our students,” said Allbritten. “To perform in a space of such historical and spiritual significance challenges them to rise to the highest level of artistry and professionalism. These are emerging artists preparing for major careers, and experiences like this shape not only their musicianship, but their confidence and sense of purpose. We’re also proud to bring a bit of North Carolina warmth to Washington, D.C., sharing the spirit of UNCSA with a national audience.”

The program concludes with Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, a work of clarity, warmth and childlike wonder. Its radiant final movement, sung by UNCSA’s A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute student Claire Griffin, soprano, offers a serene vision of heaven, bringing the evening to an ethereal and transcendent close.

The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra will perform the same program in Winston-Salem on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall on the campus of Wake Forest University. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 336-721-1945.

The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra's appearance at Washington National Cathedral is made possible in part by contributions from generous supporters of UNCSA.

For more information, visit uncsa.edu.

About Malek Jandali

Malek Jandali is “a uniquely gifted composer” (The Washington Post) and “a major new addition to the 21st century’s symphonic literature” (Fanfare magazine). His “deeply enigmatic music” (Gramophone) with “heart-rending melodies, lush orchestration, clever transitions and creative textures” (American Record Guide) spans a broad body of work that includes eight symphonies, seven concertos, four string quartets, and his upcoming full opera, “The Square.”

His works have been commissioned, performed and recorded by distinguished soloists and leading orchestras around the world, such as the Royal Philharmonic, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony, Russian Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, and the Zagreb Philharmonic. His large-scale orchestral works engage major philosophical themes and integrate Arabic maqams (modes) with persuasive craft and a marked seriousness of purpose that echo UNESCO’s call to preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, Syria. Maestro Marin Alsop says “Jandali belongs among the superb composer poets of our time — a meaningful voice of quite astonishing, almost unearthly beauty.”

Jandali has produced 10 albums of lauded performances of more than 40 of his compositions. He is the first Arab musician to have arranged the oldest music notation in the world, which was featured on his 2008 album “Echoes from Ugarit.” Jandali is composer-in-residence at both Queens University of Charlotte and at Qatar Museums. He is also the founder and CEO of Pianos for Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building peace through music and education. Jandali is the recipient of the 2014 Global Music Humanitarian Award, and in 2015 the Carnegie Corporation of New York honored him as a Great Immigrant, a Pride of America. Malek Jandali was born in Germany and raised in Syria. He now makes his home in Atlanta and New York City.

About James Allbritten

James Allbritten serves on the faculty of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), where he works closely with emerging professional artists in the School of Music and the A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute.

A respected mentor and conductor, he plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of opera performers through intensive production work and performance training.  In addition to his work at UNCSA, Allbritten served as both general and artistic director of Piedmont Opera, a position he held for over 20 years.

He continues to serve as principal conductor of the Opera Theatre of the Rockies Vocal Arts Festival, a role he has held since 2000, and previously conducted the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorale from 1996 to 2006. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with major companies including Opera Theatre of the Rockies and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

A dedicated educator, Allbritten is a multiple recipient of the UNCSA Excellence in Teaching Award (2001, 2008, 2013) and was honored with the Kenan Institute Class Act Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. He was also awarded the Arts Council of Winston Salem and Forsyth County Arts Educator Excellence Award in 2019.

About the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra

The UNCSA Symphony Orchestra is composed of talented student musicians from the School of Music’s high school, undergraduate and graduate programs.

The orchestra provides intensive training in professional orchestral performance under a variety of renowned guest conductors — emphasizing artistic excellence, ensemble collaboration, and real-world creative experiences. 

The ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire — from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions — and regularly collaborates with internationally renowned guest artists, composers and choreographers. Through performances, recordings and interdisciplinary projects, the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra prepares emerging artists to lead and innovate in the global arts landscape.

Contact Media Relations(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)

Get the best news, performance and alumni stories from UNCSA.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)(OPENS IN NEW TAB)