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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

Assistant producer: Rosa Gollan
Producer: Rosie Boulton
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