New musical success for Omar Harfouch in Béziers, with the world premiere of his “Concerto for Peace”!

New musical success for Omar Harfouch! After his highly acclaimed concerts at the Institut du Monde Arabe and in Dubai in February, the composer and pianist performed the world premiere, this Wednesday March 6 in Béziers, of his new creation “Concerto for Peace”. During his performance, Omar Harfouch was accompanied by the Orchester Méditerranéen de Béziers, led by conductor Mathieu Bonnin, making 45 musicians in total, including the famous violinist Anne Gravoin. 

The hall of the Théâtre Municipale, one of the oldest Italian-style theaters in France, was packed for this event which was obviously very popular with the public. Omar Harfouch and his musicians indeed received a standing ovation lasting more than ten minutes, at the end of a quality performance, but also and above all rich in emotions. 

The concert took place in the presence of many French personalities. Before performing his new work, Omar Harfouch gave a very moving speech in which he recalled his difficult childhood in Tripoli, in a context marked by war. The composer also introduced the audience to his childhood friend, maestro Houtaf Khoury, who was part of the orchestra, and said: “Why “Concerto for Peace”? I was born in Lebanon in the city of Tripoli. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I only saw the civil war that ravaged my home country. I survived thanks to the piano. He was my refuge and saved my life. It was therefore natural for me to write for peace and to tell the story that only peace can save our children and our grandchildren, and nothing else. » Omar Harfouch added: “In front of you is an orchestra that includes 45 musicians, and I have not asked them, not once, where they came from or what their religion or political affiliation was. . All that mattered to us during our training days was to play in harmony, to play transparently, to play in tune and with our heart, because all that mattered was to play together and give back. hope to others. Only music can convey peace, and only music can change history. » A fantastic speech which left no one in the room indifferent.

Faced with the success of his concerts, Omar Harfouch, always accompanied by his musicians, will continue his tour around the world in the coming months and continue to spread his message for peace, notably in the Vatican or in front of the Spanish parliament, with always the same, unchanging message: “Save a life, you will save humanity.”

Photos: Daniel Topic