Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace,” held at the prestigious Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, has been hailed as a remarkable success. The event brought together elements of classical and oriental music, delivering a powerful message of global harmony amidst challenging times.
As guests arrived, Harfouch welcomed a diverse audience of over 1,900 attendees, including diplomats, politicians, media personalities, artists, and peace activists from various religious communities. Among the notable attendees was iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve, whose presence underscored the event’s significance.
The evening commenced with Harfouch introducing the 60-piece Orchestre Béziers Méditerranée, conducted by maestro Mathieu Bonnin. Composer and co-orchestrator Houtaf Khoury, along with violinist Anne Gravoin, also featured prominently in the performance. In a striking visual statement, the entire orchestra wore sunglasses throughout the recital, a gesture initiated by Harfouch himself. He explained that this symbolic act aimed to highlight the necessity of light as an antidote to the darkness of hatred, urging the audience to bask in the sunlight of hope.
The concert opened with “Fantaisie Orientale,” an enchanting piece that blended Western and Eastern instruments, captivating the audience and prompting enthusiastic applause. The piece was so well received that it was reprised immediately, much to the delight of those present.
Following this, Harfouch performed “Tripoli,” an affectionate homage to his hometown in Lebanon, illustrated by a video showcasing the city’s diverse architecture and featuring his wife, Yulia. This heartfelt love letter to his roots resonated deeply with the audience.
The penultimate piece, “You save one life, you save humanity,” premiered last year at the European Commission in Brussels. Harfouch explained that the title is derived from both the Talmud and the Qur’an, emphasising the inherent value of every human life.
The final segment of the evening was the much-anticipated concerto, where Harfouch invited the audience to engage with its movements and messages. He humorously acknowledged that some guests had hesitated to attend due to concerns over who else would be there, highlighting the universality of the call for peace.
Throughout the performance, Harfouch’s expressions mirrored the emotional complexity of the music. As the concerto unfolded, moments of tension and conflict transformed into harmony, encapsulating his own experiences of strife and the enduring hope for peace.
The concert concluded with a resounding resolution, dissolving lingering anxieties into a triumphant harmony that echoed the message of the evening: peace is a result of transformative efforts. After a standing ovation, Harfouch urged the audience to respond to the call for peace, leading a 30-strong chorale in an uplifting finale.
Reflecting on the event, Harfouch stated, “This initiative has demonstrated the profound power of music to unite people. I hope ‘Concerto for Peace’ inspires a world committed to harmony.”
The ensemble is set to expand the concert’s reach, with upcoming performances planned for the United Nations office in Switzerland, the Vatican, and the Italian Parliament. Each concert will address local issues while reinforcing the overarching message of peace and unity.
Harfouch concluded, “Peace is not an abstract concept; it’s something we must actively pursue. Through music, we aim to inspire individuals and leaders to unite in cooperation. This is just the beginning of a long journey towards harmony.”
For more information on the “Concerto for Peace”, visit Omar Harfouch’s official website.
