U.S. Consulate supports the Fifth Annual Baroque Music Festival

December 23, 2009

Jerusalem: The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem is pleased to announce its support of the Fifth Annual Baroque Music Festival, hosted by the Ramallah-based Al Kamandjati Association. For the fifth year in a row, Al Kamandjati has invited American musician Peter Sulski to serve as the artistic director of the Festival. The Baroque Music Festival, taking place December 12-22, 2009, brings together Palestinian, American, and European professional and amateur musicians for a series of concerts throughout the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

Mr. Sulski's participation in the Baroque Music Festival is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Consulate General to the Al Kamandjati Association. The grant also supports three American music instructors, who teach young Palestinian students at Al Kamandjati Association centers throughout the West Bank. The U.S. Consulate General's grant will also cover costs associated with Al Kamandjati’s annual music camp in the summer of 2010.

Young Palestinians from disadvantaged communities and refugee camps overcome significant obstacles in order to participate in musical training through Al Kamandjati. Several young musicians enjoyed the opportunity of performing side-by-side with world-class musicians in this year's Baroque Music Festival events.

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem prioritizes creating opportunities for Palestinian youth to learn new skills and participate in the building of the future state of Palestine. Last summer, for example, the U.S. Consulate and U.S. Government supported educational youth camps in Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron and Gaza in partnership with various Palestinian organizations.