Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors sat side by side in the final hours of 2006 in a show of unity at a concert led by Argentine-born conductor Daniel Barenboim, a prominent advocate for peace in the Middle East.
On Sunday night, Barenboim–longtime conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra–departed from his usual repertoire of classical music and focused on Buenos Aires’ signature genre: tango.
The audience cheered as Barenboim directed the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra through tango classics such as “El dia que me quieras” (The Day You Love Me), “Mi Buenos Aires querido” (My Beloved Buenos Aires) and “Cuesta abajo” (Going Downhill).
About 10,000 people attended the event, gathering at the foot of the city’s famed obelisk, authorities said.
Barenboim, who holds Israeli citizenship, ended his 15-year reign as conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in June and now is conductor of the Berlin Staatsoper opera house. He is also a guest conductor at La Scala opera house in Milan.
Barenboim has been recognized for fostering tolerance by bringing together Israeli and Arab musicians. Ambassadors Rafael Eldad of Israel and Farid Suwan of the Palestinian Authority sat in the front row at the concert, along with Buenos Aires’ regional governor, Jorge Telerman.
“I’m happy with this repertoire of tangos since I prefer a concert of music that can be widely understood,” Barenboim said.
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The Personals page was compiled by Kim Profant from Tribune news services and staff reports.
