240

Arte Útil archive nr:

240

Initiator:

Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said

Location:

Germany, US, Spain, Israel and Palestine

Category:

pedagogical, politics, social

Users:

Musicians of the Staatskapelle Berlin

Maintained by:

Kunstfest Weimar

Certification:

implemented

Duration:

1999 - ongoing

Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said
-
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

Description:

Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said created a workshop for young musicians from Israel, Palestine and various Arab countries of the Middle East seeking to enable intercultural dialogue and to promote the experience of collaborating on common interests. Together with a group of Spanish musicians they met each summer in Seville for a workshop with rehearsals, lectures and discussions, followed by an international concert tour. The only political aspect prevailing the West-Eastern Divan's work is the conviction that there will never be a military solution to the Middle East conflict, and that the destinies of the Israelis and Palestinians are inextricably linked.

Goals:

Prove how music can break down barriers previously considered insurmountable. Through its work and existence the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra demonstrates that bridges can be built to encourage people to listen to one another.

Beneficial Outcomes:

Daniel Barenboim also initiated a project for music education in the Palestinian territories which includes the foundation of a music kindergarten as well as a Palestinian youth orchestra.

Images: