Shesh Besh, the IPO’s Arab-Jewish Ensemble, brings together IPO musicians with musicians from northern Israel’s Arab community. Last month, the ensemble embarked on community performances across Israel.

Kindergarten children from the Jezreel Valley (approximately 60 children) attended a morning concert guided by Edith Even Danan, a pedagogue specializing in early childhood education. During the concert, the musicians introduced their instruments, performed highlights from their repertoire, and in some pieces, the children even joined the performances, having learned some music beforehand.

An afternoon concert was held for veteran residents and people with disabilities and special needs. Approximately 60 people attended, listening attentively, and asking questions, which was gracefully hosted by IPO musician Boaz Meirovitch (Adam, Tamara and Sharonna Karni Cohen Chair).

In the evening, the ensemble moved to Kibbutz Yifat, where, in a magical setting on the roof of the Emek (Valley) Museum, an outdoor stage was set up and an audience of approximately 200 people came to listen to the concert.

The head of the Jezreel Valley Regional Council, Shlomit Shichor Reichman, came to offer her greetings and opened the evening with moving words about the message of the Shesh Besh Ensemble—of unity and bridge-building between peoples through music—and celebrating that the ensemble has been performing together for 25 years.

The audience included Jews and Arabs alike; a group of students came from the village of Manshiyat Zabda in the Jezreel Valley. The concert was hosted in both Hebrew and Arabic by Boaz Meirovitch and Sami Kheshaiboun.

The special atmosphere at sunset, in a venue that was covered yet open to nature, with an attentive and enthusiastic crowd created magic. The concert was electrifying, and the audience responded with gracious, warm applause. Several people approached the IPO after the concert and expressed great interest in the activities.

The ensemble will soon be embarking on a tour of Canada. The performances will will shine with artistic brilliance, weave together the musical voices of East and West, and carry a heartfelt message of peace and brotherhood from our land.