«Concert of peace by Omar Harfush: a musical call for unity and peace»
19 november 2024 в 20:37
Paris became a beacon of hope on September 18, 2024, when Omar Harfush’s «Concert for Peace» premiered at the Théâtre de Champs-Élysées. The sold-out concert, attended by over 1900 people, was not just a musical event — it was a call for unity and peace in a world too often divided by conflicts and misunderstandings.
Harfush, a Lebanese composer and pianist who has lived in France for over 30 years, has made a name for himself as a peace advocate, using his music to bridge cultural and political divides. His «Concert for Peace» was designed to inspire people to come together, reminding the world that peace is possible if we all work towards it. In the audience were diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural icons, all drawn to the concert’s message of hope.
When Harfush took the stage, he was greeted with thunderous applause from the crowd, which included French actress Catherine Deneuve. The presence of such a well-known figure added an extra level of prestige to the evening. Harfush introduced the 60-member Béziers-Mediterranean Orchestra, conducted by Mathieu Bonen, along with co-organizer Hutaf Houri and violinist Anna Gravua. One of the most spectacular moments of the evening was the decision for the entire orchestra to perform wearing sunglasses, symbolizing light as a metaphor for hope.
The evening’s program opened with «Oriental Fantasy», - a lively composition that combined Eastern and Western musical traditions. The audience responded enthusiastically, clapping along to the lively rhythms. The composition was so well-received that it was performed again, setting a joyful tone for the rest of the evening.
This was followed by «Tripoli», - a deeply personal composition dedicated to Harfush’s hometown in Lebanon. Accompanied by video footage of the city’s architecture and scenes with Harfush’s wife, Julia, the performance became an emotional moment, leaving the audience deeply moved.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came with the performance of «Save One Life, Save Humanity», - a composition inspired by both the Talmud and the Quran. The composition emphasized the equal value of all human lives, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and deeply touched the audience.
But the highlight of the evening was Harfush’s performance of «Concert for Peace». The music moved between tension and harmony, reflecting the emotional journey from conflict to resolution. Harfush’s passionate performance conveyed both the pain of conflict and the hope for peace, leaving the audience enchanted.
As the final notes of the concert faded, the audience rose to their feet in applause. Harfush addressed the crowd, saying, «Now is the time for you to answer the call for peace». Then a 30-member choir filled the aisles, performing a beautiful harmony that served as both a finale and a call to action.
Reflecting on the success of the evening, Harfush said, «Music has the power to unite people in ways that words sometimes cannot. My hope is that this 'Concert for Peace' will continue to inspire unity and cooperation around the world».
The «Concert for Peace» tour will continue, with upcoming performances at the Vatican, the United Nations in Geneva, and the Italian Parliament. Harfush’s vision is clear: to use the power of music to bring people together and inspire a global movement towards peace
Harfush, a Lebanese composer and pianist who has lived in France for over 30 years, has made a name for himself as a peace advocate, using his music to bridge cultural and political divides. His «Concert for Peace» was designed to inspire people to come together, reminding the world that peace is possible if we all work towards it. In the audience were diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural icons, all drawn to the concert’s message of hope.
When Harfush took the stage, he was greeted with thunderous applause from the crowd, which included French actress Catherine Deneuve. The presence of such a well-known figure added an extra level of prestige to the evening. Harfush introduced the 60-member Béziers-Mediterranean Orchestra, conducted by Mathieu Bonen, along with co-organizer Hutaf Houri and violinist Anna Gravua. One of the most spectacular moments of the evening was the decision for the entire orchestra to perform wearing sunglasses, symbolizing light as a metaphor for hope.
The evening’s program opened with «Oriental Fantasy», - a lively composition that combined Eastern and Western musical traditions. The audience responded enthusiastically, clapping along to the lively rhythms. The composition was so well-received that it was performed again, setting a joyful tone for the rest of the evening.
This was followed by «Tripoli», - a deeply personal composition dedicated to Harfush’s hometown in Lebanon. Accompanied by video footage of the city’s architecture and scenes with Harfush’s wife, Julia, the performance became an emotional moment, leaving the audience deeply moved.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came with the performance of «Save One Life, Save Humanity», - a composition inspired by both the Talmud and the Quran. The composition emphasized the equal value of all human lives, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and deeply touched the audience.
But the highlight of the evening was Harfush’s performance of «Concert for Peace». The music moved between tension and harmony, reflecting the emotional journey from conflict to resolution. Harfush’s passionate performance conveyed both the pain of conflict and the hope for peace, leaving the audience enchanted.
As the final notes of the concert faded, the audience rose to their feet in applause. Harfush addressed the crowd, saying, «Now is the time for you to answer the call for peace». Then a 30-member choir filled the aisles, performing a beautiful harmony that served as both a finale and a call to action.
Reflecting on the success of the evening, Harfush said, «Music has the power to unite people in ways that words sometimes cannot. My hope is that this 'Concert for Peace' will continue to inspire unity and cooperation around the world».
The «Concert for Peace» tour will continue, with upcoming performances at the Vatican, the United Nations in Geneva, and the Italian Parliament. Harfush’s vision is clear: to use the power of music to bring people together and inspire a global movement towards peace
© Smirnova Olga
