The orchestra was formed in 1999 by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said as a workshop for Israeli, Palestinian and other Arabic musicians – in the hope that music could replace the hostility, prejudice and ignorance with education, knowledge and understanding. To show that enemies can be humanised, and thereby form the setting for a better and more peaceful world. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra still has a vibrant and relevant spirit, and the orchestra has developed into a world-famous and highly respected orchestra.