Two societies live in Israel side by side: Jews and Arabs. Most of them are suspicious of one another, some have even developed hatred. It is obvious that much of this emotional negativism stems out of the fear to mingle, the fear to get to know one another, the fear to make friends. Consequently the two societies remain hostile to each other. But hostility is a dangerous factor in the Middle East, and efforts should be made, therefore, to get Jews and Arabs to know each other better, if ever a better future can be hoped for.
Young people are curious by nature. But whereas sheer curiosity does not seem to suffice in bringing them together at present times of conflict, music does. Moreover, when they make music together, friendships are created as well. This was the rational behind the creation of the Arab – Jewish Youth Orchestra, in 2002, by the initiative of Meir Wiesel, Director of Youth and Music Israel. Since then, the orchestra has carried out its message to thousands of Arab and Jewish listeners, thus fostering mutual understanding and enhancing interaction and cross-fertilization.
Today the orchestra consists of 20 young musicians, aged 14 to 30,Arabs and Jews, all coming from various parts of Israel. Music Director is Taiseer Elias from Shefaram. The repertoire is based on a mixture of East and West, as is also the case with the instruments, ranging from the Oud and Oriental Violin up to the Cello and Clarinet. A new sound and a new music are thus created, beautiful flowers growing out of seeds of Peace and Harmony.
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The orchestra develops a repertoire of newly composed or arranged works, both original as well as works taken from Oriental Arabic or Jewish traditions. Due to the fact that the music performed is rather unknown to the vast public, all concerts are accompanied by commentary, presenting the instruments and the players as well. Concerts are presented to all kinds of audiences, including mixed audiences, which interactively participate in the understanding of the idea behind the concert. Performances are held in Israel and abroad.
נבנה ע"י תום דר
