Daniel Barenboim
04:09pm Monday, Oct 12, 2009 | 0 comments | 0/5 rating | Share

Making peace in Israel/Palestine:  

World-renowned pianist, conductor, and peace advocate, Daniel Barenboim (November 15, 1942 - present) tries to bring Palestinians and Israelis together through his music in an effort to build peace. Israeli born, Barenboim speaks passionately about Palestinian rights and recently became the first person known to hold both Palestinian and Israeli passports.

"I hope that my new status will be an example of Israeli-Palestinian co-existence, I believe that the destinies of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people are inextricably linked."

As a Jew born during World War II, Barenboim has collaborated with three German orchestras as a pianist and conductor, demonstrating that mutual respect and friendship can transcend national and historical barriers. Barenboim's achievements as a musician and recording artist also give him the opportunity to speak widely on his passion for peace. At a New Year's Day Concert in early 2009 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Barenboim announced to the audience, "Let's pray for human justice in the Middle East."

In the early 1990s, Barenboim met Palestinian-born writer Edward Said, and they discovered their shared vision of Israeli/Palestinian cooperation. Their friendship led to Barenboim's first concert on the West Bank, a piano recital at the Palestinian Birzeit University in 1999. Later that year, Barenboim and Said teamed up to establish the West-Eastern Divan Workshop that brings together young Israeli and Arab musicians to play in group assembles every summer.

Barenboim believes in the importance of both sides listening and understanding one another and envisioning future peace. He hopes his acceptance of Palestinian citizenship becomes a public statement of peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Barenboim has received many international honors including recognition as a United Nations Ambassador for Peace in 2007.

Learn more:
Daniel Barenboim's website

Daniel Barenboim performs "Moonlight Sonata"

West-Eastern Divan website