Michael Barenboim & West-Eastern Divan Ensemble by Carter, E., Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Alkaen (2023/2023), Musiikinjohto Michael Barenboim, South Bank Centre, London, United Kingdom

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra was founded by the conductor Daniel Barenboim and the philosopher Edward Said, aiming to bring young Israeli and Arabic musicians together in shared endeavour. A chamber ensemble of its members, led by Barenboim’s violinist son, Michael, offers each player a chance to shine in music by three giants of the genre: Elliott Carter, Mendelssohn and Beethoven. Three pieces by Carter form the programme’s backbone, showing the American composer’s limitless musical imagination and his gritty, intricately woven individual style. In the centre of the first half, the ensemble presents the sunny verve of Mendelssohn’s String Quintet No.2. And the concert concludes with the Septet by Beethoven, one of his most popular pieces in his own day, overflowing with charm, vitality and inspiration.