Musical Duo Advocates for Peace Through Harmony

In response to the persistent conflict in the Middle East, two inspired musicians are using their talents as a call for peace. Ayşe Göknur Shanal, a soprano with Turkish heritage, and Benjamin Martin, a concert pianist with Jewish roots, plan to rise above the divisive turmoil through the power of music. These artists from Sydney foster hope and unity by exemplifying harmony both on stage and in life.

Performing for Peace

Their upcoming concert, titled 'Artists For Peace,' is scheduled at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Shanal and Martin will perform an array of musical pieces on December 23, sharing a message that echoes their own collaboration - peaceful coexistence despite differing backgrounds. This event not only celebrates their five-year friendship but also showcases their shared belief in music as a tool to bridge divides.

A Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Shanal and Martin met at a music festival and quickly bonded over their passion for music and their desire to make a difference. Amidst a backdrop of unrest, they have maintained respectful and open dialogue on contentious issues. Their friendship has flourished through mutual understanding, which they believe can extend beyond personal ties and into societal change.

Their choice of pieces for the concert is a reflection of this diversity, including works by composers such as Robert Schumann, Maurice Ravel, and others from Lebanon and Israel. By merging these influences, they aim to offer a musical experience that defies borders and emphasizes the universality of the human experience.

The Heart of Artists

Ayşe Göknur Shanal expresses their drive to take a stand through their art, declaring that as musicians and human beings, they cannot remain indifferent to the surrounding turmoil. The duo believes that their heartfelt conversations and music-making process can inspire others towards empathy and reconciliation.

With 'Artists For Peace', Ayşe Göknur Shanal and Benjamin Martin aspire not only to entertain but to ignite a flame of peace in a time of discord. They invite all to listen, reflect, and perhaps find a piece of themselves in the harmony they create.

music, concert, hope