Dear friends,
"Warm greetings to you. I hope you are all well and safe during these challenging times, as human beings all over the world are struggling to survive and cope with the threatening consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In beleaguered Palestine, dear friends, our people are rising above their suffering. With determination, they work to defy the close-to-insurmountable obstacles facing them, employing all possible means that could help keep the torch of hope alight in the hearts of our youth. This includes measures that not only ensure a healthy society but also support the steadfastness of our people in the unflinching pursuit of their national rights.
Guided by the staunch belief that culture is our strongest bastion not only against attempts at erasing our identity but also against the creeping seeds of despair in our hearts, cultural organizations in Palestine have persevered in maintaining their activities through various creative means. The ESNCM played a significant role during this period. Teachers and administrative staff alike found innovative ways to continue their academic programs in all branches and were able to complete the academic year successfully due to their diligence and creativity. Moreover, teachers and students at various branches succeeded in recording beautiful home productions that were widely circulated and much appreciated. Such creativity reinforces our firm belief in the power of music, as it defies geographic and temporal boundaries and reaches out to people all over the world. Thus, music contributes to bringing human beings together in compassion and understanding.
Furthermore, music has gained appreciation in the minds of our people for its educational and psychological values. It has proven to be a powerful tool that offers joy in times of stress as it allows children to express themselves while creating beauty. In addition, music-making teaches cooperation, discipline, perfection, and the art of listening, thereby reinforcing self-confidence in children and giving them pride in what they accomplish. All these qualities have been reflected in our students’ beautiful and successful concerts and in the world-wide tours of their orchestras, oriental ensembles, and choirs.
As we welcome the new academic year, I wish to express my deep appreciation of the support given by our dear friends who believe in our noble mission. This mission is the beacon that has guided the work of the ESNCM since its foundation in 1993 and continues to inspire the journey of our academic and administrative staff, who work with dedication, devotion, and wisdom to enrich the musical landscape in Palestine.
I would like to express my deep appreciation of the academic and administrative staff of the ESNCM as well as of the students’ parents whose cooperation and patience has enabled the ESNCM to overcome this difficult period. Special thanks go to teachers and administrators who have, unfortunately, left the ESNCM after long years of devotion and commitment.
Finally, I would like us all to remember Ramzi Rihan, the late member of our Board of Supervisors. A brilliant thinker and inspired composer, Ramzi departed earlier this year after a long and rich life in the service of education, science, and culture at Birzeit University and in Palestine in general, enriching also the ESNCM with his wisdom, wide experience, and great expertise".
Rima Tarazi
Chairman