Duo Amal
From the seeds of one of the world's most enduring conflicts comes an inspiring musical collaboration, as two classical pianists find a harmony that their nations are yet to enjoy.
Born in 1983, piano virtuosos Yaron Kohlberg and Bishara Haroni are the pre-eminent pianists of their generation in their respective homelands: Israel and Palestine. Since 2011 years they have performed together as Duo Amal, their finesse and energy taking them to some of the world's most prestigious auditoriums, from the Beijing Concert Hall and New York's Carnegie Hall to the legendary Beethovenhalle in Bonn.
Whether playing two grand pianos nestled together or sharing the same keyboard, Kohlberg and Haroni create a music that rises above the national barriers that would see them pushed apart. Across a wide-ranging repertoire, their pieces sweep from masters through to the new breed of Israeli and Palestinian composers, exploring the myriad sounds and possibilities afforded by the piano duo - a form of classical music almost lost in the modern age.
Bringing the voice of youth to bear on a conflict they have endured their whole lives, Kohlberg and Haroni's exhilarating performances are a transcendent plea for peace, and a vital celebration of the capacity of music to join people across the boundaries of culture and place.
"Thrilling"-The Sydney Herald (Australia)
"[Duo Amal's] execution was close to perfection with melody closely allied with counterpoint, and driven at dizzying high speeds." - The Straits Times (Singapore)
"When the music ends, if you're not deeply moved by the depth of their insight, you might want to check your pulse." - NPR (USA)