Arab and Israeli Musicians Defy Political Divides in West-Eastern Divan Ensemble

Image
West-Eastern Divan Ensemble
West-Eastern Divan Ensemble

Drawing upon players of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, the West-Eastern Divan Ensemble, led by the orchestra’s concertmaster Michael Barenboim, embarks on its first tour, including a performance in Bowker Auditorium on Monday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. The Ensemble will perform works by Brahms and Mendelssohn as well as new work by Benjamin Attahir. There will be a pre-performance talk at 6:30 p.m. titled “Music and Inclusion: The West-Eastern Divan Ensemble in the Context of the Middle East” by David Mednicoff, associate professor of Middle Eastern studies and public policy, as well as chair of the department of Judaic and Near Eastern studies.

Founded in 1999, the origins of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra lie in the conversations between its founders, Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim. Over the course of their great friendship, the Palestinian author/scholar and Israeli conductor/pianist discussed ideas on music, culture and humanity. In their exchanges, they realized the urgent need for an alternative way to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The opportunity to do this came when Barenboim and Said initiated the first workshop using their experience as a model. This evolved into the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra that global audiences know today. The group is comprised of Arab and Israeli musicians, defying fierce political divides in the Middle East and globally. Through its work and existence, they demonstrate that bridges can be built to encourage people to listen to the narrative of the other.

The West-Eastern Divan Ensemble is the most recent imprint of this project and brings the highly praised artistry of the large orchestra into an intimate chamber music format. As the orchestra celebrates its 20th anniversary, Michael Barenboim, who as a soloist has recently appeared with Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic and Chicago Symphony, founded this ensemble to spread the ideas behind the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra even further and to give the public an opportunity to experience the musicians' unique artistry and personality up close.

Tickets for Michael Barenboim and West-Eastern Divan Ensemble are $50 and $35; Five College students and youth 17 and under are $20 and $10. For tickets call the Box Office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase online.

Additionally, during the afternoon of Monday, March 2 from 2:30 to 4 p.m., David Mednicoff, will moderate a conversation with Barenboim and ensemble members on “Music and Cultural Politics in the Middle East.” The discussion takes place in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center and is free and open to the public but registration is requested to ensure a seat. To register please call or visit the Fine Arts Center Box Office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMAS. Patrons can also register online.