Syrian refugee revives musical career in Victoria

Hundreds of Syrian refugees are now settled in B.C. For some, a new life means finding jobs and going to school.

ForSari Alesh, it means playing music again.

The 31-year-old played with the Syrian NationalSymphony Orchestra for six yearsand went on tours in Europe and the Middle East.

But when the war broke out, Alesh stopped playing the violin for several years.

He spent the early years of the war with his family in Damascus, and thenfled to Turkey in 2014.From there,he applied for refugee status in Canada and arrived in Victoria inFebruary 2016.

New life in Canada

Within two months of arriving, Alesh was playing in front of audiences againand was given a scholarship to the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He's alsostudying English at UVIC, so that he can eventually work towards a Master's degree in music.

"I'm so glad I'm here in Victoria.Canadian people support me so much," Alesh said to host Gregor Craigie on CBC'sOn The Island.In general, Canadian people have opened their hearts, their wallets, their homes to all the Syrian people."

Alesh used to teach in Syria, and he's hoping to teachmusic to children with Down syndrome in Victoria come September.

Since moving to Victoria, he has taken up an interest in fiddle music.

"I love to play it. And they tell me it's Canadian music."

Music, he says, helps him stay positive.

"Music helps to introduce me to the world ... I love it so much."

With files from CBC'sOn the Island

To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled:Syrian violinist Sari Alesh and his new life in Canada.