Symphony for All
with Amman Symphony Orchestra and children from refugee camps in Jordan 2008
This project was more than just a concert by an orchestra with players from different cultures. It was a way to bridge also the gaps between high and low art and between rich and poor. It was a process in which young people discovered unknown ways of creating music, it was a journey for all makers in unexplored territory.
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On March 26 2008, an orchestra consisting of musicians from Jordan, Palestine, Holland, Sweden, Italy, Egypt and Germany aged ten till fifty performed in the King Hussein Cultural Centre in Amman. The music was composed by Merlijn Twaalfhoven, but in this symphony also existing Arab songs and melodies found their way. The process of composition included intensive collaborations between the composer and Arab musicians and singers. Children from refugee camps who had never played in a concert before were prepared with workshops and played a substantial part. The audience was moved and reacted very enthousiastically. After the show we received many positive reactions from both musicians, children and audience. The experience of this project is incorporated in new plans and projects. We intend to continue the creation of music projects that bring contrasting cultures together.
Diary of Merlijn (in Dutch)
Website of Arabica project
Director of the video Adam Sèbire