The Kamandjati Music school was founded in 2004 in Ramallah, and it is definitely worth watching one of their performances or even visiting the school, which is located in a beautifully restored building in Ramallah's old town.
The story of the school's founder, Ramzi, is quite fascinating. Born in 1979, Ramzi spend most of his childhood in a refugee camp, and seemed destined to spend his life in an Israeli prison after playing an active role in the first intifada between 1987 - 1992. However, he fell in love with music and started to learn the viola - after a chance meeting at a music workshop.
These days he holds the philosophy that music is an expression against Israeli violence, and this can be witnessed in a number of concerts performed across Palestine and internationally. Today, Al-Kamandjati Music School has over 60 students, with international teachers.
Check their Facebook page for up to date information on performances.
