Barenboim tops out his Berlin Middle East academy
mainThe German Culture Minister Monika Grütters joined Daniel Barenboim at the topping-out ceremony of his orchestral academy, calling the project ‘a small contribution to the peace process in the Middle East’. The German government is pumping in 20 million Euros out of a total construction cost of 33.7m.
The building, designed by Frank Gehry, is on the site of a former warehouse of the Staatsoper on Unter den Linden. Due to open in 15 months’ time, it will house 100 students from the Middle East for a 3-year degree course in music and philosophy.
I am so happy to continue to read how Daniel is not deterred by those who oppose this magnificent project. Music does bridge many gaps, and his determination is impressive and inspiring. Bravo!!
100 years from now, the music history books wont be discussing gossip forums, administrators, label owners or the latest – flavor of the month ‘lets save classical music’ initiative, they will be talking about the greatest artists in the 20-21st century. Barenboim – for me- is at the very top of that list. A humanist above all. Amazing citizen of the world.
I dont know him personally, and in spite of all the stories of his larger than life character…its understandable. There’s one Steve Jobs, one Elon Musk, one Howard Hughes, one Edison, and clearly one Barenboim.
A single word, yet deep, considerate insight of yours is recognized: Bravissimo!
A highly political musician is Barenboim. He’s allowed to be; apparently Thielemann is not. Guess it all depends on one’s own ideologies!!
Both are allowed to be political. The political work of one is widely admired, the other less so…
Some hope for humanity. Thank you Daniel Barenboim for making this happen, thank you for building this bridge. And thank you to all the supporters, private and government.