MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

A South Atlantic orchestra?

The idea of a joint orchestra of British, Argentine and Falklanders musicians as a contribution to finding a solution to the sovereignty claim dispute over the Falklands was proposed by Argentine-Israeli director Daniel Barenboim.

According to reports in the Argentine press the idea was floated by Mr. Barenboim during lunch in New York with Foreign Minister Rafael Bielsa, himself an admirer of classical music.

Mr. Barenboim suggested the creation of a music workshop with Argentine, British and Falklanders, similarly to another of his projects involving Israelis and Arabs, adding he was willing to make the necessary contacts.

The future orchestra would begin with a round of concerts in Buenos Aires, London and Stanley.

The Argentine-Israeli musician recalled the creation of the West Eastern Divan orchestra made up of musicians between 13 and 26 years of age of Israeli and Arab extraction that has been playing since 1999.

For this initiative Mr. Barenboim and his close friend and associate Palestinian writer Edward Said, received the 2002 edition of the Príncipe de Asturias Concord Prize (Spain's version of the Nobel Prize). However both artists also received death threats for their endeavour.

According to the Argentine press Mr. Bielsa was very enthusiastic about the idea even when the Falklands policy he spelt out in New York formally ignores the Islanders, and is geared to direct negotiations between Buenos Aires and London.