Concerto for Peace — Dubai Opera

Born in a country devastated by war, a conflict in which I even lost several friends, it was through learning the piano that I was able to get through this terrible period. Whenever there was a bombing, I would hide behind my piano to protect myself. Music was my only refuge, and today I consider that it has saved my life.

Faced with growing world conflicts and having witnessed how music soothes souls, it was with the encouragement of those around me that I made the decision to share my passion, devoting all the energy music has given me and using my fame to fight this scourge of war and its devastating consequences.

"Concerto for Peace," which I have personally composed and co-orchestrated with my childhood friend Houtaf Khoury, is an original 17-minute composition for piano and philharmonic orchestra. Seventeen minutes during which I try to place the spectators in a bubble of peace.

I would also like to introduce you to an exceptional person, Mathieu Bonnin, who will be conducting the Symphony Orchestra tonight. Mathieu has been leading me with his orchestra for several months throughout Europe as well as in my quest calling for universal peace. I am grateful for his friendship, talent, and collaboration.

Another of my compositions which we'll perform tonight, "La Fantaisie Orientale," was recently performed for the first time in Paris with a symphony orchestra of 65 musicians, including ancient oriental instruments such as the Qanoun.

Lastly, "Save one life, you save Humanity," a work I also composed, is fully associated with the harmony and universal peace found in both the Koran and the Torah: "Who saves one life, saves all humanity." I plead for reason and wisdom so that all our communities share a moment of fraternity and find the path to peace together.

Omar Harfouch