“Malala” by Joan Szymko; SSAA, doumbek. Inspired by education activist, Malala Yousafzai.

“I’ve composed a new work for treble chorus that is strong, direct and with a powerful feminine fluidity— like Malala herself.  A spoken solo “rap” on a quote* from her 2013 UN speech occurs in the middle of the piece and lends “Malala” a contemporary feel.”

— Joan Szymko

 

see and hear the score: http://joanszymko.com/works/ind/malala

 

Malala Yousafzai was already known as an advocate for girls’ education in her native Pakistan when she survived 3 gunshot wounds to the head at the hands of the Taliban in 2012.  After the attack young people around the world stood up in solidarity saying, “I am Malala.”   Since her miraculous recovery, she has become a global advocate for children’s education and the youngest person ever to recieve a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.

 

* One child, one teacher, one pen, one book—
   can change the world .