It’s nearly impossible to find the words to express the heartbreak and devastation that have defined this year. The genocide in Gaza, and the atrocities unfolding in Lebanon, Sudan, Ukraine, and elsewhere, weigh heavily on our collective conscience. Innocent lives are being destroyed, families torn apart, futures obliterated. Each lost life is sacred, and I pray that we can one day say “Never Again” and truly mean it.

Yet in the midst of this darkness, I’ve witnessed profound moments of unity, compassion, and resilience—reminders that our shared humanity is capable of beauty in the face of unimaginable sorrow.

I poured much of my energy this year into creative exploration within the realm of World Music Traditions, striving to bring people together through music rather than see them torn apart by conflict. This journey included the release of Existentia, the first single from my forthcoming album Ecstasy. Featuring my dear friend Homayoun Shajarian, this single marks the start of an album nearly a decade in the making. We’ll continue unveiling Ecstasy in stages throughout 2025, allowing each piece to resonate fully.

Two other milestones, both part of the When Paths Meet project, were L’Amour: When Paths Meet and Alma: When Paths Meet:

• L’Amour: When Paths Meet

Performed at the Philharmonie de Paris, it brought together The Scoring Orchestra of Paris, the voices of The Metaboles, and master musicians like Ballaké Sissoko, Guo Gan, Ilyas Arabov, Eléonore Fourniau, Antoine Morinière, Loriane Llorca, Nabyla Maan, and my own ensemble. Baroque elegance intertwined with global musical traditions, creating an otherworldly tapestry of sound.

• Alma: When Paths Meet

A celebration of Flamenco, Andalusian, and North African influences, it featured Israel Moro, José Manuel León, Ismail Boujia, Nabyla Maan, Antoine Morinière, Tarik Hilal, and my ensemble. Each performance was a testament to the power of music as a universal language, bridging divides and honoring our shared humanity.

Beyond these projects, I also embarked on refining my official website, with even more developments on the horizon for next year. Through every triumph and challenge, your support and encouragement have been a guiding light, and I carry immense gratitude for each message of kindness.

As we step into 2025, I hold on to the hope that our capacity for empathy and solidarity will guide us through the world’s crises. May music continue to serve as a refuge and a force that brings us closer together, standing as a testament to the beauty and interconnectedness of all life.

With love,

SY