Daniel Barenboim

Daniel Barenboim (born November 15, 1942) is an Argentinean-Israeli pianist and conductor.

Sympathies

Barenboim is a vociferous critic of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, saying his adopted homeland is "losing its moral capital fighting against the identity of a people." In an interview with British music critic Norman Lebrecht in 2003, he accused the Israeli government of behaving in a manner which was "morally abhorrent and strategically wrong" and "putting in danger the very existence of the state of Israel." http://www.scena.org/columns/lebrecht/031203-NL-Barenboim.html

Related Topics:
West Bank - Gaza Strip - 2003

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinians, Barenboim has given performances in the Palestinian Territories, in particular on the West Bank.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1999, Barenboim jointly founded the West-Eastern Divan orchestra with the late Palestine-American writer and activist Edward Said, who was a close friend. It is an initiative to bring together every summer a group of talented young classical musicians from Israel and Arab countries.

Related Topics:
1999 - West-Eastern Divan - Edward Said

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barenboim and Said were among the recipients of the 2002 Prince of Asturias Awards for their work in "improving understanding between nations."

Related Topics:
2002 - Prince of Asturias Awards

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barenboim wrote a book together with Said, Parallels and Paradoxes, based on a series of public discussions held at New York's Carnegie Hall.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In September 2005 Barenboim refused to be interviewed by a uniformed Israeli Army radio reporter, considering the wearing of the uniform insensitive to the Palestinians present. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/4211444.stm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~