This summer, a musical workshop led to the creation of an orchestra comprised of gifted Israeli, Egyptian, Jordanian, Lebanese and Palestinian students. It was organised by Daniel Barenboim, the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Separated by centuries of political hatred, intolerance and ignorance, the young people joined in a performance of the Eroica Symphony achieving the kind of interpersonal harmony that com-pletely transcends and overcomes political enmity.

Jordanian violinist Nabih Bulos said ‘Of course, we started with tensions between us, but in time those broke down’. Daniel Barenboim said that after 52 years of open conflict in the Middle East, it is imperative for those who are in a position to create contacts between the different sides to start these contacts, so that people are, in a way, more prepared when a political settlement comes. Wherever possible, he paired an Arab student and an Israeli on each orchestra stand demonstrating the overwhelming power of culture and particularly music, to unite and heal.