Watch The Ramallah Concert

The Ramallah Concert is a beautifully crafted documentary film from 2010, directed by Paul Smaczny, about the much-awaited performance by the celebrated conductor and pianist, Daniel Barenboim, and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra in Ramallah, Palestine. The film follows the Mozart in Ramallah project, an initiative Barenboim has been passionately advocating for over a decade, to use music as a means to promote peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

The film opens with Barenboim arriving in Ramallah, a city in the Palestinian territories, for the first time. He is met with a warm welcome from the local community who are eager to see the concert that he and his ensemble have been preparing for months. As Barenboim makes his way through the city's narrow streets, the film beautifully captures the texture of everyday life in Ramallah, a place that has often been portrayed as a land of conflict and misery.

The concert itself is the centerpiece of the film. Shot in high definition, with superb sound quality, the Ramallah Concert is a feast for the senses. The program features a diverse selection of classical works, including pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The orchestra's playing is superb, and Barenboim conducts with precision and passion. The highlight of the performance is the Beethoven Symphony No. 5, a work of profound emotion that resonates deeply with the audience.

The Ramallah Concert is not just a musical event, but a political one. Barenboim's goal is to use music as a vehicle to break down the walls of division and mistrust between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Throughout the film, we see Barenboim meeting with local leaders and artists, as well as giving lectures to students and journalists. He talks passionately about the need for understanding and dialogue, and his own experiences of living in Israel as an Argentinian Jew. The film deftly weaves together musical performance and political dialogue, showcasing Barenboim's unique vision of what art can achieve in the world.

One of the most remarkable things about The Ramallah Concert is how much the audience is a part of the experience. The film cuts back and forth between the orchestra and the crowd, capturing their reactions and emotions. We see people clapping, singing, and even weeping with joy. The film's message of hope and peace is palpable, as the audience comes alive with the music and with the sense of possibility that the concert represents.

The technical aspects of the film are outstanding. The cinematography is beautiful, with sweeping shots of the city and close-up shots of the musicians. The interviews and behind-the-scenes footage give a sense of the complex logistics behind the project, as well as the emotional impact it had on the participants. The sound quality of the music is fantastic, and the orchestra's playing is captured with stunning clarity.

In the end, The Ramallah Concert is a moving and eloquent portrait of the power of music. It's a film that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful, with a renewed sense of the importance of art in our lives. Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra have created something truly remarkable with their Mozart in Ramallah project, and this film does an excellent job of capturing the magic of their performances. If you love classical music, or are interested in the issues of peace and dialogue in the Middle East, you won't want to miss this unforgettable film.

The Ramallah Concert is a 2005 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.