Photos inspire concert for Syrian children refugees

It was the photos that persuaded Drew Whitlow to take action.

Photos of Syrian children refugees, far from home, sitting amid rubble, living in squalid conditions.

Whitlow, a Furman University senior, decided to use his musical talents to do his part to help.

The church music major has assembled a dozen of his fellow vocalists for a concert of sacred Renaissance choral music at the Triune Mercy Center on Monday, Aug. 29.

“I wanted to get beyond the politics and create a pocket of sympathy, pointing out the simple fact that there are children who are suffering throughout this crisis,” Whitlow said.

An offering will be taken at the concert and donated to Save the Children, specifically for Syrian refugee children.

“One of my passions is bringing people together with music, providing a unifying experience,” Whitlow said.

Among the a cappella works to be performed will be Thomas Tallis’ “Mass for Four Voices” and Thomas Tomkins’ “When David Heard.”

Other composers on the program include William Byrd, Tomas Luis de Victoria and Giovanni Palestrina.

Whitlow will conduct the 12 vocalists, most of whom are Furman music majors.

David Fink, a Furman religion professor, will read the English translations of the Latin texts and reflect on how they relate to the challenges faced by refugees.

“He’ll put an inspiring light on the music and the Syrian crisis,” Whitlow said.

ENTERTAINMENT: Chorale's season offers masterworks, American standards

The proceeds from the concert will help fund Save the Children’s activities on behalf of Syrian refugee children worldwide.

Millions of children have been displaced by the Syrian crisis and thousands have died.

Whitlow, a native of Savannah, said he’s not trying to make a political statement but merely wants to draw attention to a humanitarian tragedy.

“I’m just trying to create awareness of this human tragedy and the suffering of the Syrian people, particularly the children,” Whitlow said.

The group has rehearsed much of the summer for the concert, spending time also contemplating the reason for their efforts, Whitlow said.

“Together as a choir, we’ve been watching some of the videos of these children in distress,” Whitlow said. “We’ve been watching them together to remind each other about what we’re doing and renew our passion behind the cause.”

Whitlow designed a similar benefit concert last year to assist the families of the people killed at the 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

For the latest in local arts news and reviews, follow Paul Hyde on Facebook and Twitter: @PaulHyde7.

YOU CAN GO

What: Chamber Voices for Change: A Benefit Concert for the Child Refugees of Syria

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29

Where: Triune Mercy Center, 222 Rutherford St. in Greenville

Tickets: An offering will be taken to benefit Save the Children’s program for Syrian refugee children