Daniel Barenboim has left Chicago, but he hasn’t stopped thinking big. Conducting his multicultural, multi-faith West-Eastern Divan Orchestra across Europe this week, Barenboim is taking a stand against war in the Middle East and, since 1998, has provided an example of how Israelis, Palestinians, and Arabs from across the region can work together. But the commendable project isn’t exactly a musical utopia. The tours have been outside the Middle East and certain musicians won’t develop friendships across the divide, afraid of how that will look back home. Prior to this week’s European tour, Barenboim drafted a statement condemning the violence in Israel and Lebanon. After intense debate, the ensemble accepted it without amendment and the orchestra played to rave reviews. more ›