When you think of words synonymous with Palestine ‘music’ and ‘violin’ are probably not ones that spring to mind. But the times they are a-changin’ and the Al Kamandjâti Association is working hard to replace the sounds of war with the sound of music played by some of the most impoverished residents in the region.
Al Kamandjâti was established in 2002 by Palestinian viola player Ramzi Aburedwan with the aim of building and maintaining music schools for children throughout Palestine, but especially for those residents of refugee camps. The organisation’s brief is to provide “music for all.”
In 2005 the organisation proudly opened its new school in the heart of the ancient town of Ramallah. The venue hosts regular workshops for local students and invites international artists to attend and lead master-classes. The organisation has received financial support and donations of instruments from local businesses and international organisations and businesses. Students tutored through the Al Kamandjâti project have performed all over Palestine, including in front of the infamous partition, The Wall, that borders the Abu Dis neighbourhood of Jerusalem. Al Kamandjâti players have also been invited overseas to perform as part of the Qattan Foundation’s Palestinian Audio Visual Project.
Aburedwan’s own story is remarkable. He grew up in Ramallah, sold newspapers from the age of five and became actively involved with the first intifada before he was nine. Aburedwan seemed destined for a life of poverty and frustration until the day he was invited to hold a violin by Palestinian violinist Mohammed Fadel, who encouraged him to learn to play. Eventually Aburedwan was awarded the first of several scholarships to learn and play in France, opening new doors and new ideas for the young musician. And Aburedwan has made the most of contacts made abroad to obtain the necessary resources to realize the ambitious Al Kamandjâti project.
And so today Aburedwan is dedicating himself to providing creative outlets for young people. Along with other arts organisations such as the Popular Art Centre and Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre Foundation, Al Kamandjâti is providing an important creative outlet for young Palestinians.
As well as helping engage in creating art, these organisations also play a role in preserving traditional Palestinian culture, including its songs and music. As is often the case when a people are living through conflict, there is no shortage of art coming out of Palestine. By providing young people with a focus other than the current conflict, the project could literally be using music to save lives.
