The Gaza Orchestra was founded in 2013 as part of the Gaza Music School academic program. The orchestra consists of 40 students (21 females and 19 males) and was created with the aim of developing the skills and capacities of music students, training them for public performances, and building audiences in Gaza in order to create sustainable performing opportunities for its newly graduated musicians.

 

The ESNCM is dedicated to empowering and investing in the Gaza Orchestra due to the restrictions enforced by the Israeli occupation on the freedom of movement of Palestinians to and from Gaza, prohibiting Gazan students from participating in orchestras such as the Palestine Youth Orchestra, Palestine National Orchestra, and ESNCM Orchestra.

 

The Gaza Orchestra’s musical program includes a rich blend of both Oriental and Western music, and students play a diverse range of instruments that include: Piano, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Guitar, Oud, Qanoun, Flute, Percussion, and Accordion.

 

So far the Gaza Orchestra has performed at several events, including one hosted by the Performing Art Network in 2013; the ESNCM concert celebrating the beginning of the academic year 2014/2015; and the Sea and Freedom Festival 2015.

 

All enquiries regarding the Gaza Orchestra should be directed to Mr. Khamis Abushaban - Gaza Music School Administrative Assistant - kabushaban@ncm.birzeit.edu, +970 (0)8-2888903/ +970-(0)592-9000-39.