The World Needs Love and Good Music, especially, in Times of Divisions

There are three things you can watch forever: fire, water, and…orchestral conductor working. Especially if it is a performance by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, a Monreal-born director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, who is the “greatest generator of energy on the international podium” according to the Financial Times.

Last week it was another powerful experience at the Haifa Auditorium, where the orchestra opened the Israeli portion of the 2018 Europe and Israel tour.

My musical tastes are not so sophisticated, but I can generally enjoy any classical music. In light of the recent events here in Israel I just could not help but think – it’s such a relief that the music drowned out the politics even for a short while.

The Philadelphia Orchestra came to Israel despite calls to refrain from visiting Israel so soon after latest dramatic events happened on the Gaza-Israel border.

“We’re not going to these countries for the government, but to bring music to the people,” said the music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin stating his position over the decision to come to Israel. And he made sure that he brought music not only to the Israelis but also to Palestinian Arabs.

The first morning of their stay in Israel Yannick and his orchestra visited the Oasis of Peace community, where Arabs and Jews live and work together. The village is located midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

It’s not my intention to cover the political situation here in Israel. By writing this story, I just want to show the world and my friends abroad that despite confusing stories about security issues in Israel, we continue to have a normal life and focus on love wherever we can.

Indeed, we all need to focus on love, and so does the maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin. What a great idea to end the concert in Haifa with the tribute to love. “The world needs love and here is Salut d’Amour by Edward Elgar,” said the conductor and raised his hands for another mesmerizing performance.

You are right, Yannick, the world needs love and good music more than ever.