West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, led by Daniel Barenboim, sets Brussels stage in May concert
Get ready, music lovers! On May 9, 2022, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra under the maestro Daniel Barenboim stirs up Brussels with a remarkable symphonic concert at Bozar. Formed by Barenboim and Edward Said in 1999, this exceptional orchestra gathers talent from nations embroiled in conflict, fosteringdialogue and unity in an artistic setting.
This time around, the gentlest tunes of Bedřich Smetana's Bohemian heart will resonate through the Henry Le Boeuf Hall of Bozar as the orchestra takes on "Ma Vlast." Known as an ode to Smetana's homeland, the piece presents a breathtaking array of nature's beauty and rich history in warm romantic brushstrokes.
Don't miss out on this rare opportunity, as comprehensive performances of "Ma Vlast" are not usually presented, with only its sweeping melodies of the second symphonic poem, Vltava (The Moldau), frequently gracing the stage.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 15, 1942, the world-renowned conductor began his musical journey at the tender age of five, and his sole teacher remained his father. Barenboim's family shifted to Israel in 1952, and that summer, the conductor enrolled in Igor Markevitch's conducting classes in Salzburg. Wilhelm Furtwängler, who significantly influenced Barenboim's work, was another figure he met during this time.
Barenboim has been a sought-after conductor since his 1967 London debut and has led ensembles such as the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics, with whom he has a long-standing relationship. Between 1975 and 1989, he was the chief conductor of the Orchestre de Paris. From 1991 to June 2006, he was the chief conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and in 2006 the musicians voted him honorary conductor for life.
Aside from his work with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Barenboim is general music director at Berlin's Staatsoper Unter den Linden and artistic director. In 2015, he launched the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin for talented young musicians from the Middle East. This academy houses the Pierre Boulez Saal, the cutting-edge auditorium designed by Frank Gehry that has made a significant impact on Berlin's musical scene since its opening in March 2017.
Barenboim holds citizenship in Argentina, Israel, Palestine, and Spain, and he is the first person to hold both Israeli and Palestinian citizenship concurrently. His commitment to fostering understanding and harmony through music continues to inspire generations. So, join the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra for an extraordinary symphonic journey that celebrates Czech heritage and the enduring power of music as a universal language.
- On May 9, 2022, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, under the guidance of Daniel Barenboim, will embark on an eco-tour of symphonic entertainment, traveling to Brussels and performing at Bozar.
- The cultural significance of the performance lies in the presentation of Smetana's "Ma Vlast," an ode to his homeland that beautifully blends the essence of nature with the rich history of his beloved Czech culture.
- As a renowned conductor, Barenboim, a native of Argentina who has held citizenship in several countries, is dedicated to fostering unity through music, as seen in his work with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Barenboim-Said Academy in Berlin.
- In addition to his illustrious career, Barenboim's phenomenal leadership extends to the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin and the Pierre Boulez Saal, a cutting-edge auditorium that has made a significant impact on Berlin's cultural scene.
