Sultans of String & Mississauga Symphony Orchestra Event

Mississauga, ON – January 18, 2025 – Award-winning, Billboard chart-topping artists Sultans of String are joining forces with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the direction of Maestro Denis Mastromonaco, to present the world premiere of Refuge, a groundbreaking concert Sultans-Of-String-1024x576 Event Announcement: Sultans of String & Mississauga Symphony Orchestra that celebrates the power of music, collaboration, and global unity. This highly anticipated live event will take place on February 8, 2025, at 8:00 PM at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

This remarkable production is a celebration of new immigrants, refugees, and global musical talent—individuals who have overcome adversity and are now ambassadors for peace. Refuge features a stellar international cast, many of whom are part of Sultans of String’s Cannes World Film Festival award-winning project, The Refuge Project. This film and music album, which explores the challenges faced by displaced peoples around the world, has garnered critical acclaim, including wins for Best Music Film at Cannes, Global Roots Album of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and Producer of the Year honors.

Sultans of String’s bandleader and producer, Chris McKhool, who was recently awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, shares his excitement:
“We are so excited to present Refuge and showcase the voices of those who are often unheard. Through these collaborations, we are amplifying essential stories of resilience, survival, and humanity. It’s a privilege to share this music with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra and bring this powerful message to life on stage.”

In addition to McKhool, Refuge will feature performances by a diverse lineup of guest musicians, including Syrian artists Leen Hamo and Majd Sukar, Donné Roberts from Madagascar, Saskia Tomkins on Romani Nyckelharpa, Padideh Ahrarnejad on Persian Tar, and Tamar Ilana in flamenco, among many others. These extraordinary performers bring their unique cultural voices to a performance that speaks directly to the global refugee crisis, shedding light on their struggles, dreams, and the universal need for empathy.

The concert is also a reflection of the Sultans of String’s commitment to global collaboration, blending multiple genres and cultural influences, from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music to Latin, flamenco, jazz, and beyond. This ambitious and inclusive concert is a testament to the power of music to unite people, foster understanding, and build peace.

Event Details:
World Premiere: Sultans of String: Refuge
Date: February 8, 2025, 8:00 PM
Location: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, ON
Tickets & More Info: Mississauga Symphony

For a sneak peek of the powerful music behind Refuge, check out the 5-minute sizzle reel: Watch the Refuge Video Sizzle Reel.

About Sultans of String:

Formed by violinist Chris McKhool, whose Lebanese-Egyptian heritage influenced his love for multi-genre string sounds, Sultans of String have built a reputation as a globally inspired, genre-bending supergroup. McKhool’s collaboration with founding guitarist Kevin Laliberté created the signature sound of Sultans of String, blending violin and guitar in a dynamic interplay. Over the years, the band has grown to include some of the world’s finest musicians, including bass master Drew Birston and percussion virtuoso Chendy Leon.

The band’s live performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with sold-out shows at prestigious venues like Koerner Hall (Toronto), Birdland (New York), and Trafalgar Square (London). Their music has been featured on CBC Radio, BBC Radio, and SiriusXM, and they’ve shared the stage with global music icons such as Paddy Moloney & The Chieftains, Sweet Honey in The Rock, and Richard Bona.

For more information, visit Sultans of String Website and connect on social media:
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

About the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra:

The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Maestro Denis Mastromonaco, is one of Canada’s premier community-based orchestras. It brings together professional musicians, talented youth, and a passion for engaging audiences with dynamic and diverse musical programming.