Berliner Philharmoniker Stages Benefit Concert for Peace in Israel & Palestine

Titled "Together for Humanity," the concert featured pianists Martha Argerich and Kirill Gerstein, baritone Thomas Hampson, cellist Steven Isserlis, soprano Christiane Karg, and violinist Christian Tetzlaff, among others

The Berliner Philharmoniker recently hosted a benefit concert in support of those affected by the humanitarian crisis taking place in Israel-Palestine. Titled "Together for Humanity" and led by the orchestra's Chief Conductor Kirill Petrenko, the concert called for the release of all the hostages of war, and for the protection of all civilians.

The December 20 concert featured artists including pianists Martha Argerich and Kirill Gerstein, baritone Thomas Hampson, cellist Steven Isserlis, soprano Christiane Karg, and violinist Christian Tetzlaff.

In addition, a number Israeli and Palestinian-Israeli artists were featured, including pianist Iddo Bar-Shai, oud player Taiseer Elias, and singers Noa and Mira Awad.

All proceeds from the concert were donated to Israel’s Abducted and Missing Families Forum (which is behind the Bring Them Home Now campaign), and two peace organizations in Israel and Palestine, Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun.

"We started to organize the concert 10 days ago," said Andrea Zietzschmann, the general manager of the Berliner Philharmoniker. "It was a small group, and actually all of the artists that we asked wanted to be a part of it, I think because of this awful feeling of helplessness one has when there is such an awful conflict. And for that reason all of them really wanted to join us, and put forward this message."

"We call for the immediate release of all hostages, and for the aid and protection of all civilians on both sides, including for the expansion of humanitarian aid for Gazan civilians," a statement by the musicians reads. "We call for the intervention and aid of the international community in promoting, expediting, and securing a diplomatic solution that will end the violence and facilitate a shared existence. As an artistic community, we refuse to lose hope in such a future."