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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

Assistant producer: Rosa Gollan
Producer: Rosie Boulton
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