Big doors hang on small hinges. As a young boy, Omar Harfouch taught himself to play the piano in a conflict-ridden Lebanon. He could scarcely have imagined that, years later, he would be performing at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris and the United Nations in Geneva. Even more unimaginable for that boy would have been the notion that he would one day be the composer of the very piece he would play.
On September 18, 2024, in Paris and two days later in Geneva, Harfouch, now a celebrated musician and humanitarian, will be hosting more than just a concert. His “Concerto for Peace” promises to live up to its name as a powerful symbol of unity and healing in a world often fractured by disarray.
Harfouch, along with his colleagues Houtaf Khoury and Mathieu Bonnin, will present a harmonious fusion of evocative melodies and poignant messages. The Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra will bring captivating energy to the composition, breathing life into each piece.
Harfouch conceived the ‘Concerto for Peace’ the culmination of his lifelong dedication to the transformative power of music – to raise awareness of global tensions. “Music has always been a way to communicate when words are inadequate,” Harfouch shares.
The concert in Paris marks a significant milestone in Harfouch’s mission to use music as a vehicle for peace and solidarity.
From Lebanon to France: A Journey Led by Resilience and Music
Harfouch’s journey began in Tripoli, Lebanon, where he was born into a family deeply rooted in activism and education and witnessed, as a boy, the effects of war. These early influences shaped Harfouch’s understanding of society and how music can address and alleviate societal challenges.
By age six, Harfouch was already teaching himself to play the piano. His natural talent soon garnered accolades, including a significant success in a piano competition in Gorbachev’s Moscow. The Russian president offered him a grant and a ticket to attend the Moscow Conservatoire. This achievement opened doors to advanced studies with renowned instructors such as Natalia Vladimiravna Protsenko and at the Glinka Conservatory in Dnipro, Ukraine.
During a period of great upheaval in the former Soviet Union, Harfouch found himself in Kyiv, where he expanded his influence beyond music, co-founding the Super Nova communications group with his brother Walid. He then moved to France, his home for over thirty years, about which he says “I adopted France and France has adopted me”.
Harfouch has remained deeply connected to his roots and mission. His experiences during Lebanon’s turbulent times and his subsequent career have continually reinforced his belief in music’s ability to catalyse change. The “Concerto for Peace” embodies this notion, aiming to bring together diverse audiences who share a love for music and humanity.
The Concerto for Peace: A Serenade and a Solution
Harfouch’s work draws on his extensive experience and commitment to social and humanitarian causes. The concerto will be performed in various conflict-affected regions, showcasing its potential to inspire and unite people from different backgrounds.
This initiative will highlight the performance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. The venue, known for its awe-inspiring history and cultural significance, provides a fitting backdrop for a concert promoting peace and light. The “Concerto for Peace” aims to engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, augmenting the idea that music can be a powerful tool for change.
Béziers Symphony Orchestra: Crafting Harmony and High Notes in Southern France
Harfouch firmly believes that change is a team effort, and his team for the upcoming event comprises an army of talented musicians.
Their dedication to music enriches our vision for a more connected and united world,” says Harfouch, speaking praises of the world-renowned orchestra.
Founded in 1996, the Béziers Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene. With a dynamic ensemble of 60 musicians led by Mathieu Bonnin, the orchestra excels in diverse musical genres, from baroque to contemporary.
As a vital part of the local cultural life, the orchestra goes beyond showcasing exceptional talent; it is a melodious keystone to the city’s vibrant musical heritage.
A Melodic Call for Unity
It is clear that Omar Harfouch’s vision extends beyond classical music. His dedication to using his craft to foster global unity and understanding underscores the profound impact that art can have on our world.
“Music is not just a series of notes,” Harfouch muses. “It’s a conversation between souls, a way to heal and to hope.”
The upcoming concert will be a monumental moment for both Harfouch and his audience. It represents both an attacca of personal achievements and a broader altruistic statement.
As Paris and Geneva prepare for this landmark event, the “Concerto for Peace” opens the door to peace as a call to action, and humanitarians like Omar Harfouch encourage world leaders to go through it.
Every doorway is an entrance as well as an exit. In line with this, the door to a better future for all is wide open, inviting courageous people to join Omar Harfouch to walk through it.
