Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Jew sing together at the Berlin Phil
News
norman lebrecht
December 18, 2023
Message from the vocalist Mira Awad:
Tomorrow I fly to Berlin. And whilst a visit to this glorious city is usually accompanied with excitement, this time I fly with an anguished heavy heart, but with a great longing to stand together on the same stage with my sister Noa (Achinoam Nini), and with maestros Gil Dor and Tayseer Elyas, to yet again bring a message of togetherness, of one-ness, of shared pain, and most importantly: a fervent wish for peace.
Phenomenal talent has come together to make this benefit concert happen, the lineup is truly glorious and it is a real honor to be included.
Together for Humanity concert is raising money for the families of the hostages, as well as for two women’s groups in Israel and Palestine, Women Waging Peace and Women of the Sun, both doing amazing work bringing the communities together.
The concert is sold out, however, there will be a live broadcast (free of charge) on the Berliner Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall.
Join us on Wednesday, December 20th, at 16:00 Berlin time, 17:00 (Jerusalem), 15:00 (London) on this link:
Message from the Berlin Philharmonic:
The benefit concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker and guests in the Philharmonie Berlin on 20 December 2023 at 16:00 is sold out. In a concert titled “Together for Humanity”, renowned musicians from all over the world will come together to take a stand for the release of all hostages and the protection of all civilians in Israel and Palestine.
The proceeds will go to three important projects: the Israeli “Abducted and Missing Families Forum” (with its initiative “Bring Them Home Now”) and two peace organisations in Israel and Palestine, “Women Dare Peace” and “Women of the Sun”, who work together for a lasting peace between the two peoples.
Unfortunately, soprano Anna Prohaska has had to cancel her participation at short notice for health reasons. Christiane Karg will stand in for her in the same programme. In addition, the actress Martina Gedeck has agreed to contribute to the concert with a recitation.
Empty symbolism. Impress us by singing together in Jerusalem instead.
Symbolism may often seem empty, but it isn´t in this case. The pandemy has showed to all of us that musicians aren´t only there to play piano, to sing or to play another instrument more or less perfect, but to show that they are human beings with their individual hopes and fears as much as we listeners are. Berlin is a very good place for such an event – as any other big city can be.
They do.
PS: Don‘t wait to be impressed by anyone else – take an initiative yourself.
The irony of this virtue- signaling happening in Berlin, of all possible cities, boggles the mind.