The Ramallah Concert
On August 21, 2005, during the week of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, an historic concert took place in the city of Ramallah, in the Palestinian Territory, given by a world-class orchestra of young Arabs and Israelis, conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Barenboim established the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra with the late Palestinian writer Edward Said in order to bring together young musicians from across the political divide in the Middle East. Their hope was that music would heal and help to bring understanding and tolerance of different beliefs and cultures. This was the first time the orchestra gave a concert in one of its members' home countries. It was standing-room only in the 700-seat concert hall, and the atmosphere was electric. The programme included Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante in E flat major and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. The event is sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace, San Diego Chapter.