The Story of PalMusic UK
Support Palmusic UK
The Friends of the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music UK (ESNCM) was established as a UK charity in 2012. Lena Saleh, Usama Tuqan, Lord Cope, Michel Massih, Robin Kealy, Wissam Boustany, Lord Eccles and Caroline McCormick made up the founding committee. The Friends became known as PalMusic UK in 2013.
A few examples of what makes PalMusic UK fundraising possible:
2013
BBC Proms
In 2013, we provided logistical and financial support for the ESNCM Palestine Strings to perform with Nigel Kennedy in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
ESNCM Palestine Strings at the Proms with Nigel Kennedy
Palestine National Competition, Jerusalem
2014
Palestine National Competition
In 2014, we sent musicians from Britain as judges for the Palestine National Competition.
2016
Palestine National Competition
In June 2016, PalMusic UK facilitated London performances for students from the Gaza branch of ESNCM
ESNCM Students, London 2016
Palestine Youth Orchestra UK Tour
2016
PYO UK Tour 2016
In August 2016, PalMusic promoted a highly successful six-city UK tour for the Palestine Youth Orchestra (PYO). Conducted by PalMusic’s Patron Sian Edwards, the PYO visited Glasgow, Perth, Leeds, Birmingham and Cardiff, culminating in a wonderful performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
2017-2021
PalMusic UK Concerts
In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Palestinian music students sponsored by PalMusic have toured the UK, raising funds for ESNCM through concerts.
Other concerts have featured internationally renowned musicians including, The Chilingirian Quartet, Tasmin Little, Nigel Kennedy, Piers Lane, Sian Edwards, Nai Barghouti, Dima Bawab, Iyad Sughayer and Wissam Boustany.
Long-Distance Learning
In partnership with the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, PalMusic UK assists the Long-Distance Learning programme for ESNCM music students/teachers in Gaza, providing regular Skype masterclasses.
Grants, Bursaries & Scholarships
We provide grants/bursaries for young Palestinian musicians to attend intensive summer courses in the UK.
We send British musicians to Palestine to give master classes:
- Levon Chilingirian (violin)
- Juan Lluna (clarinet)
- Wissam Boustany (flute)
- Aleksander Szram (piano)
- Karin Norlen (viola)
We finance scholarships for young musicians in Palestine to study at the ESNCM and provide instruments to the school.
We award scholarships for advanced Palestinian musicians to study at UK conservatoires.
Recipients to date:
- Marc Kawwas (pianist) Chetham's School of Music
- Maya Khalidi (singer) Guildhall School of Music and Drama
- Tibah Saad (cello) Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Omar Saad (viola) Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Lourdina Baboun (violin) Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
We make a real difference in the lives of young Palestinians.
2022
Finally in 2022 we have been able to start enjoying live music again. PalMusic UK hosted a concert with incredible young concert pianist, Iyad Sughayer, at St George's Bristol. We look forward to sharing more events with you soon.
Palmusic UK Concert
Skype masterclass
"We make a real difference in the lives of young Palestinians."
Support Palmusic UK
PalMusic UK Events
CLARE HAMMOND PIANO RECITAL FOR PALESTINE – BRISTOL
We are delighted and grateful that pianist, Clare Hammond, is performing a special concert in aid of PalMusic UK, in Bristol on 27 June 2024. Acclaimed as a “pianist of extraordinary gifts” (Gramophone) and “immense power” (The Times), Clare Hammond is recognised for...
PALESTINE YOUTH ORCHESTRA FUNDRAISER
This summer, the Palestine Youth Orchestra (PYO) will perform 2 concerts at The International Academy - Amman (IAA). Young Palestinian musicians will unite through music and perform in a spirit of hope and strength. We are aiming to raise £10,000 and want to support...
MUSIC BRINGS SMILES IN GAZA
Despite the terrible conditions in northern Gaza, the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM) is delivering music activities for the community, with the aim of bringing smiles to the faces on of children and their families. So far, 24 schools have been...