Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera – an homage to freedom and a strong expression of opposition to enslavement and political oppression – has been performed by the Expat Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Julien Salemkour, artists who are refugees and migrants from conflict-stricken countries looking for a safe place on earth. The musicians come from Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Turkey, Ukraine and other places devoid of peace. They met in safe Europe to perform together. The symbolism of this event could not be more transparent: the Expat Philharmonic Orchestra with the freedom-manifesting FIDELIO, at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk, during the SOLIDARITY OF ARTS Festival.

from: http://solidarityofarts.pl/