Knowledge is the Beginning - The WestEastern Divan Orchestra

Discover the true power of music. Paul Smaczny’s award-winning documentary tells the story of the groundbreaking West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, founded by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said.



The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra was founded on the belief that ‘’music is the language of peace’’ and it has the power to foster understanding and tolerance of different cultures and beliefs. Formed at a time when it was nearly unthinkable that Arab and Jewish young people could sit together playing side by side, the orchestra is formed of young musicians from Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, uniting together to play for peace. For founder Daniel Barenboim, the orchestra is a metaphor for what could be achieved in the Middle East.



Knowledge is the Beginning follows the orchestra from its founding in the 1990s through to its historic 2005 concert in Ramallah, Palestine. It illustrates the trials and tribulations of this pioneering organization as they overcome prejudices in rehearsals and fight a myriad of political hurdles throughout their journey to the Ramallah concert.