The **Galilee Chamber Orchestra**, a pioneering ensemble comprising both Jewish and Arab musicians, is set to perform in Philadelphia on **November 19, 2023**. This concert, taking place at the **Kimmel Center**, marks the orchestra’s first live performance in Philadelphia and the second stop on their three-city tour of the United States.
Nabeel Abboud Ashkar, co-founder of **Polyphony**, the organization behind the orchestra, expressed hopes that audiences will recognize the potential for coexistence through music. “I hope that [audiences] will see that it is possible to find a way to live together, to work together, despite differences,” he stated. The concert will feature pieces by renowned composers such as **Mendelssohn** and **Mozart**, showcasing the beauty that can emerge from collaboration.
Prior to this live performance, the orchestra participated in a virtual concert for Philadelphians in May 2021, co-sponsored by local Jewish organizations and churches. Following the Philadelphia concert, the orchestra will perform in **Gainesville, Florida** on **November 17** and conclude their tour with a performance at **Carnegie Hall** in **New York** on **November 20**.
Bridging Divides Through Music
The Galilee Chamber Orchestra is one of five programs under the Polyphony umbrella, which is based in **Nazareth**. The initiative aims to bridge the cultural divide between Israel’s Arab and Jewish communities through classical music education. Abboud Ashkar explained that the name “Polyphony” reflects the concept of multiple voices and melodies harmonizing to create a richer sound, serving as a metaphor for societal cohesion.
Abboud Ashkar’s journey began in Nazareth, where he identified a gap in quality music programs for youth. He pursued a double major in **physics** and **music** at **Tel Aviv University** and later earned a master’s degree in violin performance in **Germany**. Upon returning to Nazareth in 2006, he established the **Barenboim-Said Conservatory** with backing from the **Barenboim-Said Foundation**, aiming to cultivate excellence in classical music among young Arab musicians.
“Excellence was a big part of what we were striving for,” Abboud Ashkar remarked, noting that the initiative required dedicated teachers willing to commute to Nazareth twice a week. Over time, this commitment has paid off, as nearly half of the orchestra’s 36 members are now Arab musicians.
Fostering Dialogue and Understanding
Abboud Ashkar emphasized that the orchestra stands as a testament to the belief that peaceful coexistence is essential. “There’s no alternative to being able to find a way to live peacefully together,” he asserted. Through their music, the members aim to promote respect, equality, and understanding among diverse communities.
The programs offered by Polyphony are designed to spark conversations among young musicians, their families, and teachers. “For two years, we give them the chance and the tools to become more familiar with each other and to engage in a more constructive dialogue,” Abboud Ashkar explained. Participants often discover both similarities and differences, both of which are valuable.
In a time of societal polarization, the role of music as a unifying force cannot be overstated. Abboud Ashkar reflected on the significance of community support for the orchestra. “I hope that [the music is] part of the message, but also the fact that people care,” he said. The desire for understanding and empathy is a powerful message, resonating with audiences both in Israel and across the United States.
The upcoming concert in Philadelphia is not just a performance; it is a celebration of diversity and the potential for harmony through music. As the Galilee Chamber Orchestra prepares to take the stage, they carry with them a vital message about the importance of unity in a world often marked by division.
