Paris was electrified on September 18, 2024, as Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. Combining classical and oriental music with a humanitarian vision, Harfouch delivered a performance that transcended the boundaries of art, becoming a profound call for global unity in a time of widespread division.
Harfouch, a renowned composer, pianist, and peace advocate, has always believed that music is a universal language capable of connecting people from all walks of life. His ‘Concerto for Peace’ was no exception. The performance was more than just a concert—it was a movement, a call to action to work together toward a more harmonious world.
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The evening began with Harfouch personally welcoming the capacity audience, which included diplomats, cultural leaders, and peace advocates. The presence of French actress Catherine Deneuve added an air of prestige to the evening, drawing attention to the event’s global significance.
As Harfouch introduced the 60-piece Orchestre Béziers Méditerranée, led by maestro Mathieu Bonnin and accompanied by co-orchestrator Houtaf Khoury and violinist Anne Gravoin, he explained one of the night’s most symbolic gestures: the entire orchestra would perform while wearing sunglasses. Known for wearing sunglasses himself, Harfouch explained that this choice was meant to symbolise light as a beacon of hope and peace in a world often darkened by hatred and conflict.
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The first piece of the evening, ‘Fantaisie Orientale,’ blended Eastern and Western musical traditions into a lively, energetic composition. The audience was instantly captivated, clapping along to the rhythmic fusion. So well-received was the piece that it was performed a second time, further energising the audience and setting the stage for the rest of the night.
Next, Harfouch performed ‘Tripoli,’ a deeply personal piece dedicated to his hometown in Lebanon. The composition was accompanied by video footage of the city’s architecture and images of Harfouch’s wife, Yulia, creating a powerful visual and emotional experience for the audience. In this piece, Harfouch emphasises the theme of East meets West, underscoring his belief that different cultures can coexist harmoniously.
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The night took a more introspective turn with the performance of ‘You Save One Life, You Save Humanity,’ which had premiered at the European Commission the previous year. Drawing inspiration from both the Talmud and the Qur’an, the piece underscored the equal value of every human life, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. This composition resonated deeply with the diverse audience, many of whom were peace advocates and religious leaders.
The concert culminated in the performance of Harfouch’s highly anticipated ‘Concerto for Peace.’ The music reflected the emotional journey from conflict to resolution, capturing the tension and struggle of working toward peace. Harfouch’s expressions throughout the performance conveyed the pain of conflict, but also the hope that peace can bring. As the concerto’s final notes rang out, the audience responded with a standing ovation.
In a moving finale, Harfouch stood before the audience and called on them to take up the cause of peace. “Now it is time for you to respond to the call for peace,” he said. A choir of 30 singers lined the aisles, performing a harmony that echoed Harfouch’s message: peace is not an abstract ideal, but a goal that requires commitment from everyone.
Reflecting on the concert’s success, Harfouch said, “Music has the power to bring people together in ways that words sometimes cannot. I hope this ‘Concerto for Peace’ continues to inspire unity and cooperation wherever it is performed.”
The ‘Concerto for Peace’ tour is set to continue, with upcoming performances scheduled at the Vatican, the United Nations, and other significant venues. Harfouch’s vision is clear: to use the power of music to unite people and inspire a world that works together in the pursuit of peace.
