Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’: A Parisian Night of Music and Global Unity

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris was the setting for an extraordinary evening on September 18, 2024, as Omar Harfouch brought his "Concerto for Peace" to the stage. A unique fusion of classical and oriental music, the concert was more than just a musical performance. 

Omar

Harfouch

Harfouch, a Lebanese composer and pianist, is known for using his art as a platform for promoting global harmony. His "Concerto for Peace" was designed to bring people together across cultural and religious divides, reminding the world that peace is not only possible, but necessary. The event attracted a diverse audience of over 1,900 people, including diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural icons.

Sunglasses

As Harfouch took the stage, he was greeted by enthusiastic applause from an audience that included none other than French actress Catherine Deneuve. Harfouch introduced the 60-piece Orchestre Béziers Méditerranée, led by conductor Mathieu Bonnin, alongside co-orchestrator Houtaf Khoury and violinist Anne Gravoin. The entire orchestra, following Harfouch’s lead, performed while wearing sunglasses—a visual symbol of light as a beacon of hope.

Fantaisie Orientale

The evening began with "Fantaisie Orientale," a vibrant blend of eastern and western musical traditions. The piece was so well-received that it was performed again, setting a celebratory tone for the rest of the night. Next came "Tripoli," an emotional composition dedicated to Harfouch’s hometown in Lebanon. Accompanied by video footage of the city’s architecture and scenes of Harfouch’s wife, Yulia, the performance was a deeply personal moment that resonated with the audience.

You Save One Life, You Save Humanity

One of the night’s most powerful moments came with the performance of "You Save One Life, You Save Humanity," a piece that draws inspiration from both the Talmud and the Qur’an. The composition underscored the equal value of all human lives, a message that resonated deeply with the diverse audience of diplomats and religious leaders.

Concerto for Peace

But it was the "Concerto for Peace" itself that served as the highlight of the evening. The music conveyed the emotional complexity of the journey from conflict to harmony, capturing both the tension of discord and the hope for resolution. Harfouch’s passionate performance left a lasting impression on the audience, who responded with a standing ovation.

Reflecting on the evening, Harfouch said, "Music has the power to bring people together in ways that words sometimes cannot. My hope is that this 'Concerto for Peace' continues to inspire unity and cooperation across the globe."

The "Concerto for Peace" tour is set to continue, with performances scheduled at prestigious venues such as the Vatican, the United Nations in Geneva, and the Italian Parliament. Harfouch’s vision is clear: to use the power of music to unite people and inspire a movement toward global peace and understanding.

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  • Daniel Topic