What is Road to Jericho?
Road to Jericho, which takes place in May and June 2011, is a documentary film and concert tour exploring the creative process of a group of British, American and Palestinian musicians and composers preparing for and performing an international series of concerts in Palestine and the UK.
The project will take place against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict, and the film will subtly illustrate - from a non-political standpoint - the stark contrast between the engaging, deeply human process of music-making on the one hand, and the impersonal complexity of living under occupation on the other.
Education and creative cooperation are central to this initiative, and throughout the tour the musicians will be directing workshops, stimulating cross-cultural collaboration, and encouraging the creation of a new cultural legacy in Palestine.
The project will take place against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict, and the film will subtly illustrate - from a non-political standpoint - the stark contrast between the engaging, deeply human process of music-making on the one hand, and the impersonal complexity of living under occupation on the other.
Education and creative cooperation are central to this initiative, and throughout the tour the musicians will be directing workshops, stimulating cross-cultural collaboration, and encouraging the creation of a new cultural legacy in Palestine.
The tour
The tour features two highly regarded groups of musicians, Fifth Quadrant (of the UK) and Dalouna (of Palestine), plus other renowned musicians, writers, and composers who will appear in or support the film. We're also assembling a board of patrons, to be announced late 2010. Meet The People >>>
You can be part of the project, too. Read about how you can get involved by making a donation, or by directly offering your skills or time.
You can be part of the project, too. Read about how you can get involved by making a donation, or by directly offering your skills or time.
Why is it happening?
An international level concert tour will inspire collaboration of the very highest standard, making a clear statement of aspiration for people who do not have access to the same cultural opportunities as those in the West.
Documenting the tour on film will enable a compelling first-hand view of the reality of life in occupied Palestine to be distributed to an audience of several million. Such reach will help increase public awareness about the human reality of the situation. [Why is this important?]
The facts of life under occupation speak for themselves. Likewise, a compelling, powerful performance of a piece of music doesn't need an explanation. The challenge is to frame both in a way that a mainstream audience can both understand, and empathize with. Success will inspire people to seek change.
Documenting the tour on film will enable a compelling first-hand view of the reality of life in occupied Palestine to be distributed to an audience of several million. Such reach will help increase public awareness about the human reality of the situation. [Why is this important?]
The facts of life under occupation speak for themselves. Likewise, a compelling, powerful performance of a piece of music doesn't need an explanation. The challenge is to frame both in a way that a mainstream audience can both understand, and empathize with. Success will inspire people to seek change.
Why now?
This year is of critical importance to the Middle East conflict. Within a year, we will either see a lasting peace treaty, or a descent into yet further terror and dissent. But throughout it all, the reality of daily life does not change; people still go about their business in whatever way they can. Even in times of trouble, people still write, sing and make music.
There has never been a more relevant time to peer into the lives of those who live under occupation, and reach a greater understanding of today's reality in the Middle East.
There has never been a more relevant time to peer into the lives of those who live under occupation, and reach a greater understanding of today's reality in the Middle East.
Where is it happening?
Concerts will take place in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin and Gaza (subject to security) in Palestine, followed by a UK tour concluding at the Spitalfields Summer Music Festival in London on 10th June 2011. See all events >>>
The Film
'Road to Jericho', the film, will observe the relationships between the Western and Palestinian musicians as they go about their work, and bring to the screen a foreigner's insight; it will show how the perspective of a British or American visitor is altered by first hand experience of a troubled region. Read more about the film >>>
The Music
The musical programme will juxtapose Western Classical music (Dvorak's 'American' String Quartet) with Arabic Oriental music, as well as a commissioned work by British composer Antony Pitts (Hyperion, BBC, etc.) based on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, which will fuse elements of both cultures. Read more about the music >>>
'Road to Jericho', the film, will observe the relationships between the Western and Palestinian musicians as they go about their work, and bring to the screen a foreigner's insight; it will show how the perspective of a British or American visitor is altered by first hand experience of a troubled region. Read more about the film >>>
The Music
The musical programme will juxtapose Western Classical music (Dvorak's 'American' String Quartet) with Arabic Oriental music, as well as a commissioned work by British composer Antony Pitts (Hyperion, BBC, etc.) based on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, which will fuse elements of both cultures. Read more about the music >>>
Photos used under Creative Commons from David Blackwell., the bbp, Mrs Logic
