'Peace orchestra' plays first in Morocco

RABAT, Morocco, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- An orchestra made up of young Israeli and Arab musicians dubbed the "peace orchestra" played its first concert in Rabat, Morocco.

The concert, conducted by the orchestra's co-founder, Israeli conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim, played selections of Mozart and Beethoven.

There was heavy security at the concert hall in the city's Mohammed V Theatre but the full house gave

West-Eastern-Divan Orchestra a standing ovation, the BBC reported.

According to the orchestra's co-founder, Edward Said, a Palestinian, the orchestra was not part of any political program, but rather an example of productive co-existence.

Some of the 80 musicians admit to being less interested in "being a part of history" than in striking up friendships. Others said they just wanted to work with Barenboim, the BBC said.