Wednesday, October 15, 2008

MESTO: Multi-Ethnic Star Orchestra


It's amazing how music can bring people together.

A few nights ago I watched a documentary about how the MESTO orchestra united Jews and Muslims. The conductor talked about how he started the group to counteract all the turmoil that happens between Jews and Muslims in the Middle East. He believes that this kind of work, the building of friendships and bonding over commonalities will bring about the right kind of change. And I agree with him.

MESTO is based in Los Angeles and they travel the world (particularly the Middle East) performing their unique blend of traditional Western orchestra pieces as well as Middle Eastern arrangements.