Here is an account of this summer’s Summer Camp with our Palestinian friends in Lebanon (6-17 August), written by Sara, who, together with Emiliano, Marco, Michele and Samuele, was there to carry out the Community Music project.

Two Weeks of Music, Encounters, and Community in Lebanon

Week One — Beirut, Beddawi, Saida, and Tyre

Our 2025 Summer Camp journey began on Friday, August 6th, arriving at Beirut airport late at night. The familiar noises, sounds, and scents welcomed us as a whole, bringing back a flood of memories and unforgettable moments. From the airport, we headed straight to our “camp base” in Beirut, ready to start the next day.

We split into two teams: one stayed in Beirut, while the other headed north to Beddawi Refugee Camp. Words cannot capture the joy of reconnecting with the boys and girls in person. We dove straight into music, starting with games, small-group rehearsals, and orchestra sessions — each moment alive with energy and curiosity.

In the following days, our work extended south to Saida, where we met young people from Saida and Tyre, preparing them for the upcoming Summer Camp.

On Saturday, August 9th, the entire team gathered at Burj Barajneh camp for a vibrant morning of shared music. Workshops, instrumental sessions, and a community music performance wove everyone’s voices and instruments into a single, living sound. Later that afternoon, part of the team visited Burj Shemali and Al Rashidieh camps in Tyre, gathering stories, testimonies, and experiences.

Week Two — The Koura Summer Camp

The second week was dedicated to the Summer Camp, hosted once again at the Orthodox School of Koura, just outside Tripoli.

80 Palestinian children and young people joined us, coming from seven camps — Burj Shemali, Al Rashidieh, Shatila, Burj Barajneh, Beddawi, Nahr El-Bared, and Ein El Hillweh. They were supported by social workers and local music teachers, who collaborated daily in the workshops.

A highlight of this year was seeing former participants return as teachers, guiding the next generation with the same passion and care they had once received. This passing of the torch reminded us of the continuity, trust, and growth that music fosters. By the end of each day, our debrief meetings gathered a team of 15–20 people — a mosaic of experiences, languages, and musical paths gradually blending into one cohesive ensemble.

The days alternated between section rehearsals and orchestra sessions, leading to the final concert, held on the 16th. The program featured five Arabic pieces and three arrangements by the Italian team. The most powerful moment came during Peter Gunn, performed without a conductor. Every note reflected the group’s shared breath, listening, coordination, and trust.

Reflections — Music, Growth, and Connection

It was incredible to witness how music and resilience had grown over time. Together, we have built memories, relationships, and, most importantly, trust. Through music, we have learned to rely on each other, collaborate, create, and work as one. This year, more than ever, we saw the project’s autonomy flourish: musicians who were once students are now teaching others, carrying the music forward — a living testament to the heart of this project.

Music bridges. Music builds. Music connects.
Two weeks, countless memories, and the unifying sound of music continue to transcend borders.