West-Eastern Divan Orchestra

Located in Seville, Spain, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra was founded in 1999 by conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim and literary theorist and writer Edward Stated, so that they can bring together youthful musicians of Israeli, Palestinian, Iranian, and Arab nationalities within a spirit of worldwide cooperation and understanding. The orchestra was called after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s 1819 poetry anthology on occidental and oriental designs, “Western world-östlicher Diwan.” Originally expected to be a little chamber group for the workshop to commemorate the 250th wedding anniversary of Goethe’s delivery, it became a full-fledged orchestra due to the lot of candidates. The initial workshop happened in Weimar, Germany, but afterwards workshops have already been kept in Spain. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra also travels internationally, notably focusing its initiatives on the center East. Just because a personal foundation has provided the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra a house in Seville, Spanish music artists may also be welcomed as associates from the ensemble. Since its development, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra continues to be honored the Principe de Asturias Concord Prize, aswell as the Japan Arts Association’s Superior Imperiale Award.