By Hind Sabanegh
Wissam Boustany is a prestigious Lebanese-Palestinian flautist whose passion, musicality and charisma have shaped his reputation as a world-class soloist. Whether he performs classical, baroque, romantic, or improvisational music, Wissam’s love for humanity takes his audience on an emotional, captivating musical journey.
Wissam is a Trustee and Music Advisor of PalMusic UK, a UK-based charity that was established to empower and support aspiring young Palestinian musicians on their music education journey. PalMusic UK has teamed up with the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine (ESNCM) to establish the Gaza Long Distance Learning (LDL) programme. LDL overcomes the severe restrictions imposed on the strip by offering master classes via Skype for students at ESNCM’s Gaza branch, connecting them with renowned musicians such as Karin Norlen (viola) and Aleksander Szram (piano).
In March, Wissam will visit Palestine on a mission. Primarily, he will serve as a jury member at the 6th Palestine National Music Competition in Jerusalem. But also, he will perform on Sunday, March 22, alongside Aleksander Szram and Karin Norlen in the “Jasmine Festival” at Al-Sharjah Hall at ESNCM’s Ramallah branch. This performance aims to raise awareness of and funds for PalMusic UK’s LDL Programme in Gaza, enabling it to continue enriching the lives of budding musicians and audiences here in Palestine.
Wissam’s music, vision, and mission surpass limits. In 2018, his exceptional ability to inspire and empower lead him to establish the Pro Youth Philharmonia (PYP) that by now has completed two successful tours, inviting prominent soloists and professional orchestral musicians to collaborate in rehearsals and concerts as leaders and mentors. These guests help shape and inspire the young emerging musicians, providing a valuable opportunity to gain experience and establish connections within the wider professional orchestra scene.
Wissam, in short, harnesses music towards humanity and love of life.
