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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

Assistant producer: Rosa Gollan
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer Production