ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

West-Eastern Divan Orchestra musicians find friendship across conflict lines

festival-fair · 2026-06-19

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said, brings together musicians from Israel and Palestine. Despite the October 7 terror attacks and the Gaza war, two members describe how the ensemble maintains its mission of fostering dialogue and friendship. The orchestra, which performed at a special music festival in Berlin, continues to operate as a space where political differences are set aside for musical collaboration.

Key facts

  • The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra was founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said.
  • The orchestra includes musicians from Israel and Palestine.
  • Two members spoke about the orchestra's work after the October 7 attacks and the Gaza war.
  • The orchestra performed at a music festival in Berlin.
  • The ensemble aims to foster friendship and dialogue across conflict lines.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

Locations

  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Palestine

Sources