Omar Harfouch’s concerto for peace: Uniting music and humanity in Paris

On September 18th, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris became the stage for an extraordinary fusion of classical music and humanitarian advocacy. Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace,” a concert aimed at promoting global harmony, premiered with a performance that sought to connect not just melodies, but people from all walks of life. The event was more than a showcase of artistic talent; it was a powerful call to action, urging audiences to unite in the face of growing global divisions.

Harfouch, an internationally recognized pianist, composer and peace champion, spearheaded the initiative with his characteristic passion. His goal was clear: to use the universal language of music to foster dialogue and bridge divides. As Harfouch explains, “Music can do what words often can’t—it cuts through barriers and speaks to the common threads of our humanity.”

The evening’s program was a blend of his most celebrated compositions, including the much-anticipated performance of “Concerto for Peace,” alongside other powerful pieces such as “La Fantaisie Orientale” and “Save One Life, You Save Humanity.” The latter, which debuted at the European Commission, draws on both the Talmud and the Qur’an to emphasize the sanctity of every human life, a message that resonates across cultural and religious lines.

The concert drew a diverse audience of diplomats, artists, and coexistence activists, including rabbis, imams, and Christian leaders, who were attracted not just by the music, but by its powerful humanitarian message. French actress Catherine Deneuve was among the notable figures present, adding prestige to an already significant gathering. As the performance unfolded, it became clear that this was more than a concert—it was a moment of shared experience, a reminder that music can transcend borders and politics.

One of the evening's most striking elements was the symbolic gesture of the entire orchestra performing in sunglasses, a nod to Harfouch’s signature style. More importantly, the sunglasses represented light as a beacon of hope in the darkness of division. Harfouch’s words before the performance encapsulated the event’s theme: “Light and dark cannot coexist; peace is the light that drives out the darkness of hatred.”

The concert opened with “Fantaisie Orientale,” a vibrant blend of eastern and western musical traditions, which received such an enthusiastic response that it was immediately reprised. This was followed by “Tripoli,” a deeply personal tribute to Harfouch’s hometown in Lebanon, a place where east meets west, much like the music itself. The piece was accompanied by video footage of Tripoli’s diverse architecture and scenes of Harfouch’s wife, Yulia, adding a poignant visual layer to the performance.

As the night drew to a close, the audience gave Harfouch a standing ovation, moved not only by the music but by the message of peace that permeated every note. A 30-member choir lined the aisles, delivering a final harmony that felt like a call to action—a collective commitment to work towards a more peaceful world. “Now it is time for you to respond to the call for peace,” Harfouch urged the audience, leaving them with a powerful reminder that peace is not an abstract concept, but a shared responsibility even though it is hard, particularly during these most difficult times.

The Paris scoring of “Concerto for Peace” was just the beginning. Later this year, the concert is scheduled to take place at the Vatican and United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, a fitting venue for a performance dedicated to global unity. Harfouch sees this as an essential next step.

Harfouch’s vision is ambitious but clear: “Peace isn’t just a diplomatic goal—it’s something we all need to work toward. And sometimes, music can be the most effective vehicle to get that message across.”

As “Concerto for Peace” travels the globe, it carries with it a simple yet powerful truth: no matter our differences, the yearning for peace is universal. Music, with its ability to speak directly to the heart, can be a catalyst for the change the world so desperately needs. Harfouch’s concerto is not just a performance—it’s a movement, one that reminds us all that peace begins with a vision of a common humanity.