What good can music do in the face of unthinkable violence and destruction? That question is a driving force for Syrian composer and pianist Malek Jandali.

The U.S.-based musician, whose symphonies call for peace in his war-torn homeland, has seen his family attacked — but, with their support, he remains defiant. He joins Shad to explain his urge to create in the face of destruction, and why art is a threat to the Assad regime.

Syrian composer Malek Jandali on the urge to create in the face of destruction. (MalekJandali.com)

WEB EXTRA | Take in some of Jandali's most powerful compositions below.