East - West. Conflict.

When you fix a common objective - like making music - the coexistence and understanding between people, even from historically conflicting societies, are possible.

This is the premise of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an ensemble that was founded in 1999 by musician Daniel Barenboim and Philosopher Edward Said.

Their project focused on gathering young Arab, Palestinian, and Israeli talents in a peaceful space to learn and perform great musical masterworks in an atmosphere of peace and open dialogue.

I believe that people are much more alike than they are different. No matter what side you´re on.

We all develop in our own closed environment and depending on where it is and what happens around us, we will grow to think and act in one way or another.

To me, it is incomprehensible, but at the same time understandable, that humans go to war.

Because human psychology is fragile.

And also because we are all willing to sacrifice to a great extent for whatever we deem necessary. Be that our possessions, our family, our prestige, our relationships, our ideals, our country… or whatever is important to you.

I, of course, am against war. It is a tragedy too big to tolerate.

But even if I´m usually an optimistic person, I think that as long as humanity exists, wars will exist.

Like the West-Eastern Divan orchestra, I can only stay positive, and optimistic, and try to positively influence my little corner of the world with the most beautiful music I can think of. Hopefully, through my music and my performances, I can positively influence the hearts and minds of people and contribute in that way to make a better world.

That is my mission. As a musician, an artist, and a person.

Have a great day.

Claudio.

P.D. Tickets to my concert in Amsterdam for next Thursday 19th of October can be bought by clicking here.