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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 & Bassoon in E flat, (1st movement)
Ravel- Pavane pour une infante défunte
Beethoven – Violin Concerto, (3rd movement)

Assistant producer: Rosa Gollan
Producer: Rosie Boulton
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