“Music without Borders,” is how the songs of French music ensemble Bratsch was described by Le Monde. Yesterday at the newly opened theatre of Nablus University, Bratsch brought songs that evoked the colours of the Mediterranean and the flavours of the Balkans. Their music is based on Tsigane music, the ancient songs of the Gypsies heard once from the Black Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. The Gypsies are like the Bedouins, they travel from one place to another carrying their beautiful music which touches the hearts of those who listen to it. It is music of love and peace, music that proves we are united in humanity despite of differences in culture and language.
The event was organized in the impressive new Sheikh Turki Bin Abdul Aziz theatre, which was officially opened by President Mahmoud Abbas only last week. The concert drew a large crowd of Nabulsians and judging from the enthusiastic audience response, everyone thoroughly enjoyed hearing these melodies which represent the diversity of culture in Eastern Europe.Bratsch was formed 25 years ago by Dan Gharibian and Bruno Girard, and has since expanded into a five-piece ensemble. The band name refers to the “bratsche,” a type of viola typically used in Tsigane music. However, the music of Bratsche is not “pure” Tsigane music; it mixes in elements from free jazz, folk and chanson among other things. One of the band members explained that the Gypsies have always dipped into the wealth of all the musical cultures they encountered and integrated these influences into their own melodies. This attitude is one also near to the heart of Bratsch.
The concert of Bratsch was organized by the French Cultural Center in Nablus, in cooperation with the Fine Arts Faculty and the Public Relations Department of the University. The organization of the event comes during a difficult time for the city; every day people suffer from Israeli aggressions that make regular life near impossible.
An elderly lady in the audience said: “The fact that we are suffering Israeli incursions every night has taken a toll on our mental wellbeing. We are in dire need of some recreation and relief.” She added: “With this event we are saying to the Israelis that we are still alive; that we are singing and enjoying our time; that life is still bearable and, most importantly, that we will never give up.”
Mr. Saed Abu Hijleh, Director of the Public Relations Department, fully agreed: “We are challenging the Israeli attempt to eliminate our smiles by occupying and besieging the city. With this musical event we are sending them a clear message that we will never leave our homeland and that we shall overcome. The sound of music is more powerful than the sound of the bullets.”
“During the short period I have been here, I have already witnessed more violence against the citizens of Nablus than any person should ever have to tolerate,” said Liam Morgan, a British volunteer. “The fact that people can still find the courage to attend an event like this one testifies to the determination of Nabulsians to live and not be lived.”
Yasmine Van Pee, a volunteer from Belgium, added: “It is remarkable to see how much joy in life the Nabulsians still find regardless of the daily Israeli intimidations. Simply buying a loaf of bread can put your life in danger. It is great to see them enjoying Bratsch so much tonight.”