Earlier this year, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra toured the US, and then the Afghanistan National Institute of Music did as well throughout February, and finally, Heartbeat‘s Israeli and Palestinian youth wrapped up their debut tour a few weeks ago. What an exciting time for cross-cultural music education programs, which aim to teach additional skills with and through music such as peacebuilding, coexistence, coresistence, solidarity, nonviolent communication, etc., to be seen and heard. There is an obvious desire to connect with these types of youth programs, which inspire hope, empower communities, and produce social change.

Afghanistan National Institute of Music Carnegie Hall Performance

Heartbeat Performs at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC

To review the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM)’s achievements on their tour, please take a look below. In addition, please visit ANIM’s Anthology of Afghan Songs for, so far violin and viola, with many more instruments on the way!