25 Years Of The West-eastern Divan Orchestra [Music Matters]

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Comments

From Strength To Strength

20240615

Clemency Burton-Hill charts the West-Eastern Divan Project's remarkable achievements and developments around the world in recent years.

The Divan Orchestra has had great success over the years with appearances at the BBC Proms, the Salzburg and Lucerne Festival, the United Nations in New York and Geneva.

The Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin was opened in 2016 offering musical training and a grounding in the humanities. This building includes the Pierre Boulez Saal a concert hall specially designed by architect Frank Gehry.

The Barenboim-Said Center for Music in Ramallah was established in 2012, committed to integrating classical music within the Palestinian community and to strengthening public appreciation of the arts and music through concerts and public events.

And Michael Barenboim formed the West-Eastern Divan Ensemble to mark the orchestra's 20th anniversary in 2019.

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas.

Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery.

All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

R. Strauss - Don Quixote

Boulez - Memoriale

Fauré - Violin Sonata No 1 (1st Mvt)

Schoenberg - Variations Op 31

Clemency Burton-Hill charts the Divan Project's many achievements in recent years.

The Divan At 25

20240622

Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story of the West-Eastern Divan Project up to date as it marks its 25th anniversary at this time of terrible conflict in Gaza. So have they actually been able to form an orchestra this year and if so what will they be able to undertake this summer? Does the orchestra have a future and if so, what will that look like? Has the project lived up to or surpassed the expectations of Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said's wife Mariam Said? And how will it need to evolve in order to remain viable and relevant?

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas, and the Divan's concertmaster Michael Barenboim.

Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery.

All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Tchaikovsky – 5th Symphony, (2nd movement)

Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Basson in Eb, (1st movement)

Ravel- Pavane pour une infante défunte

Beethoven – Violin Concerto, (3rd movement)

Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story up to date at this time of great conflict in Gaza.

Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story of the Divan Project up to date as it marks its 25th anniversary at this time of terrible conflict in Gaza.

Sowing Seeds For An Orchestra

20240518

Clemency Burton-Hill marks the anniversary of this remarkable musical adventure.

The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arab and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. A chance encounter in a London hotel lobby led to an intense friendship between these two creative spirits who should have been politically poles apart. Clemency explores how their friendship developed; how the opportunity for the project emerged and how the concept behind the project embodied so much of Edward Said's teaching and writing.

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said and archive of Barenboim and Edward Said.

Clemency spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan.

All orchestral music performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Mozart: Overture 'Le nozze di Figaro', K.492

Chopin: Nocturne No. 5 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2

Soloist: Daniel Barenboim

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, First Movement.

Brahms - Piano Sonata No.2 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro non troppo ma energico

Soloist: Karim Said

Beethoven: Symphony No 9, Last Movement

Clemency Burton-Hill marks the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's 25th anniversary.

Clemency Burton-Hill marks the 25th anniversary of this remarkable musical adventure started by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said.

The story of the first 25 years of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

How To Bring A Dream To Life

20240525

Clemency Burton-Hill traces the first steps of this remarkable musical adventure.

The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. So how did the dream of an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians make music together, become a reality? Clemency discovers how the players were found, recruited and trained to come together to make a whole. And explores the musical and human challenges for the players.

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas, clarinettist and woodwind coach at the Divan Matthias Glander and biographer Elena Cheah.

Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery.

All orchestral music performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

Beethoven: Symphony No 7, 1st Movement

Poulenc: Sonata for Violin and Piano, 3rd Movement: Presto Tragico

Soloist: Yamen Saadi

Ravel: Miroirs: IV. Alborada del gracioso

Sibelius: Valse Triste

Berlioz: Dream of a Witches' Sabbath from Symphonie Fantastique

The story of the first 25 years of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

Creating A Dialogue

20240601

Clemency Burton-Hill considers challenges the musicians face in understanding each other's point of view.

From the beginning of the Divan, Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said believed that music can break down barriers previously considered insurmountable. The only political aspect that prevails in the work of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is the conviction that there is no military solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that the destinies of Israelis and Palestinians are inextricably linked. As well as making music together, the players are encouraged to listen to the other's narrative, and so rehearsals during the day are often followed by lectures, films and discussions in the evenings. At times, it's been a very challenging process to forge this kind of dialogue. And the challenge was made much greater with the untimely death of Edward Said in 2003.

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas plus archive of Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said.

Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery.

All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Maurice Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole vers. for orchestra

Robert Schumann: Phantasiestücke Op.12 for piano, no.8; Ende vom Lied

Soloist: Martha Argerich – Piano

Richard Strauss: Concerto in D major AV.144 for oboe and orchestra, 1st movement; Allegro moderato

Soloist: Cristina Gómez Godoy – Oboe

Beethoven: Fidelio (Leonore) - opera Op.72 Act 1 no.10; O welche Lust

Tchaikovsky: Symphony no. 6 in B minor Op.74 (Pathetique), 4th movement

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony no. 3 in E flat major Op.55 (Eroica), 4th movement

Clemency Burton-Hill considers challenges the musicians face in understanding each other in this orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other.

The Ramallah Concert

20240608

Clemency Burton-Hill recreates the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's legendary August 2005 concert in the city of Ramallah in the Palestinian Territory. Perhaps one of the most significant concerts in the history of classical music, the participants reveal some of the difficulties encountered and emotions experienced in the lead up to and realisation of this dream.

Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah and the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas.

Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery.

All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Beethoven – 5th Symphony, (1st Mvt)

Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Bassoon in Eb, (2nd Mvt)

Debussy - Violin Sonata in G Minor, Finale: Très animé

Beethoven – 5th Symphony, (4th Mvt)

Elgar – Nimrod from Enigma Variations

Clemency Burton-Hill recreates one of classical music's most significant concerts.

Clemency Burton-Hill recreates the Divan's 2005 concert in Ramallah in the Palestinian Territory - perhaps one of the most significant concerts in the history of classical music.

The Ramallah Concert

20240615

On 21 August 2005, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra performed a landmark concert in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

This was a historic event. Few had dared hope that the orchestra made up of Arab and Israeli young players - which aims to foster dialogue and understanding through music - would succeed in performing in the West Bank.

To enter Ramallah, each musician was issued with a diplomatic passport by the Spanish government. Some entered Palestine through Israel and others through Jordan. 'Believe me, the logistics of this concert are worth writing a book about,' said Barenboim. The rehearsal was guarded by troops armed with semi-automatic weapons, but the atmosphere among the musicians was both nervous and excited.

Clemency Burton-Hill (who toured for several summers as a violinist with the orchestra) recreates this historic concert conducted by Daniel Barenboim.

All orchestral music played by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra:

Beethoven: Symphony No.5 In C Minor Op.67 : I Allegro Con Brio

Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Bassoon in Eb: II Adagio

Debussy - Violin Sonata in G Minor

Soloists: Michael and Daniel Barenboim

Beethoven : Symphony No.5 In C Minor Op.67 : IV Allegro

Elgar – Nimrod from Enigma Variations

Clemency Burton-Hill recreates a landmark 2005 classical music concert.

Clemency Burton-Hill recreates a landmark classical music concert. On 21 August 2005, the Divan Orchestra performed a concert in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Comments
	From Strength To Strength	20240615	Clemency Burton-Hill charts the West-Eastern Divan Project's remarkable achievements and developments around the world in recent years. The Divan Orchestra has had great success over the years with appearances at the BBC Proms, the Salzburg and Lucerne Festival, the United Nations in New York and Geneva. The Barenboim-Said Akademie in Berlin was opened in 2016 offering musical training and a grounding in the humanities. This building includes the Pierre Boulez Saal a concert hall specially designed by architect Frank Gehry. The Barenboim-Said Center for Music in Ramallah was established in 2012, committed to integrating classical music within the Palestinian community and to strengthening public appreciation of the arts and music through concerts and public events. And Michael Barenboim formed the West-Eastern Divan Ensemble to mark the orchestra's 20th anniversary in 2019. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas. Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery. All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim. R. Strauss - Don Quixote Boulez - Memoriale Fauré - Violin Sonata No 1 (1st Mvt) Schoenberg - Variations Op 31 Clemency Burton-Hill charts the Divan Project's many achievements in recent years.
	The Divan At 25	20240622	Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story of the West-Eastern Divan Project up to date as it marks its 25th anniversary at this time of terrible conflict in Gaza. So have they actually been able to form an orchestra this year and if so what will they be able to undertake this summer? Does the orchestra have a future and if so, what will that look like? Has the project lived up to or surpassed the expectations of Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said's wife Mariam Said? And how will it need to evolve in order to remain viable and relevant? Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas, and the Divan's concertmaster Michael Barenboim. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery. All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim Tchaikovsky – 5th Symphony, (2nd movement) Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Basson in Eb, (1st movement) Ravel- Pavane pour une infante défunte Beethoven – Violin Concerto, (3rd movement) Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story up to date at this time of great conflict in Gaza. Clemency Burton-Hill brings the story of the Divan Project up to date as it marks its 25th anniversary at this time of terrible conflict in Gaza.
01	Sowing Seeds For An Orchestra	20240518	Clemency Burton-Hill marks the anniversary of this remarkable musical adventure. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arab and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. A chance encounter in a London hotel lobby led to an intense friendship between these two creative spirits who should have been politically poles apart. Clemency explores how their friendship developed; how the opportunity for the project emerged and how the concept behind the project embodied so much of Edward Said's teaching and writing. Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said and archive of Barenboim and Edward Said. Clemency spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. All orchestral music performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim Mozart: Overture 'Le nozze di Figaro', K.492 Chopin: Nocturne No. 5 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 15 No. 2 Soloist: Daniel Barenboim Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, First Movement. Brahms - Piano Sonata No.2 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 2: I. Allegro non troppo ma energico Soloist: Karim Said Beethoven: Symphony No 9, Last Movement Clemency Burton-Hill marks the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's 25th anniversary. Clemency Burton-Hill marks the 25th anniversary of this remarkable musical adventure started by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said. The story of the first 25 years of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.
02	How To Bring A Dream To Life	20240525	Clemency Burton-Hill traces the first steps of this remarkable musical adventure. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. So how did the dream of an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians make music together, become a reality? Clemency discovers how the players were found, recruited and trained to come together to make a whole. And explores the musical and human challenges for the players. Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas, clarinettist and woodwind coach at the Divan Matthias Glander and biographer Elena Cheah. Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery. All orchestral music performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim. Beethoven: Symphony No 7, 1st Movement Poulenc: Sonata for Violin and Piano, 3rd Movement: Presto Tragico Soloist: Yamen Saadi Ravel: Miroirs: IV. Alborada del gracioso Sibelius: Valse Triste Berlioz: Dream of a Witches' Sabbath from Symphonie Fantastique The story of the first 25 years of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.
03	Creating A Dialogue	20240601	Clemency Burton-Hill considers challenges the musicians face in understanding each other's point of view. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. From the beginning of the Divan, Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said believed that music can break down barriers previously considered insurmountable. The only political aspect that prevails in the work of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is the conviction that there is no military solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that the destinies of Israelis and Palestinians are inextricably linked. As well as making music together, the players are encouraged to listen to the other's narrative, and so rehearsals during the day are often followed by lectures, films and discussions in the evenings. At times, it's been a very challenging process to forge this kind of dialogue. And the challenge was made much greater with the untimely death of Edward Said in 2003. Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah, the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas plus archive of Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said. Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery. All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim Maurice Ravel: Rapsodie espagnole vers. for orchestra Robert Schumann: Phantasiestücke Op.12 for piano, no.8; Ende vom Lied Soloist: Martha Argerich – Piano Richard Strauss: Concerto in D major AV.144 for oboe and orchestra, 1st movement; Allegro moderato Soloist: Cristina Gómez Godoy – Oboe Beethoven: Fidelio (Leonore) - opera Op.72 Act 1 no.10; O welche Lust Tchaikovsky: Symphony no. 6 in B minor Op.74 (Pathetique), 4th movement Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony no. 3 in E flat major Op.55 (Eroica), 4th movement Clemency Burton-Hill considers challenges the musicians face in understanding each other in this orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other.
04	The Ramallah Concert	20240608	Clemency Burton-Hill recreates the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's legendary August 2005 concert in the city of Ramallah in the Palestinian Territory. Perhaps one of the most significant concerts in the history of classical music, the participants reveal some of the difficulties encountered and emotions experienced in the lead up to and realisation of this dream. The West-Eastern Divan is an orchestra where Arabs and Israeli young musicians play alongside each other. It was the brainchild of Daniel Barenboim – an Argentinian musician born to Russian, Jewish parents. And Edward Said - a Palestinian, American academic and political activist. From the beginning of the Divan, Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said believed that music can break down barriers previously considered insurmountable. The only political aspect that prevails in the work of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is the conviction that there is no military solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and that the destinies of Israelis and Palestinians are inextricably linked. Including interviews with Daniel Barenboim, Mariam Said, Michael Barenboim, biographer Elena Cheah and the Divan's General Manager Tabaré Perlas. Clemmie spent several summers touring in the violin section of the Divan. In January 2020, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and this is her first radio series since her recovery. All the orchestral music is performed by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Barenboim Beethoven – 5th Symphony, (1st Mvt) Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Bassoon in Eb, (2nd Mvt) Debussy - Violin Sonata in G Minor, Finale: Très animé Beethoven – 5th Symphony, (4th Mvt) Elgar – Nimrod from Enigma Variations Clemency Burton-Hill recreates one of classical music's most significant concerts. Clemency Burton-Hill recreates the Divan's 2005 concert in Ramallah in the Palestinian Territory - perhaps one of the most significant concerts in the history of classical music.
05	The Ramallah Concert	20240615	On 21 August 2005, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra performed a landmark concert in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. This was a historic event. Few had dared hope that the orchestra made up of Arab and Israeli young players - which aims to foster dialogue and understanding through music - would succeed in performing in the West Bank. To enter Ramallah, each musician was issued with a diplomatic passport by the Spanish government. Some entered Palestine through Israel and others through Jordan. 'Believe me, the logistics of this concert are worth writing a book about,' said Barenboim. The rehearsal was guarded by troops armed with semi-automatic weapons, but the atmosphere among the musicians was both nervous and excited. Clemency Burton-Hill (who toured for several summers as a violinist with the orchestra) recreates this historic concert conducted by Daniel Barenboim. All orchestral music played by the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra: Beethoven: Symphony No.5 In C Minor Op.67 : I Allegro Con Brio Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Horn Bassoon in Eb: II Adagio Debussy - Violin Sonata in G Minor Soloists: Michael and Daniel Barenboim Beethoven : Symphony No.5 In C Minor Op.67 : IV Allegro Elgar – Nimrod from Enigma Variations Clemency Burton-Hill recreates a landmark 2005 classical music concert. Clemency Burton-Hill recreates a landmark classical music concert. On 21 August 2005, the Divan Orchestra performed a concert in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank.