Founded by Wissam Boustany in 1995, Towards Humanity is an enduring, non-political initiative, which uses the inspirational qualities of music as a catalyst to support the humanitarian work of charities and individuals in many parts of the globe.
The inaugural event took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on February 2nd 1995. Its purpose was to provide a platform for peace in the Middle-East and raise funds for each of five charities in Beirut, Amman, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Cairo.
Since then, numerous events have raised funds and awareness for projects in several countries. In 1997 Wissam was awarded a knighthood by the Lebanese government (Chevalier de l'Ordre du Cèdre) in recognition of this work. On 3rd February 1998 he was also presented with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Towards Humanity has gone on to capture the imagination of music lovers and communities in several countries. After running Towards Humanity as a charity for seven years, Wissam Boustany decided to discontinue its charitable status in order to support the work of wonderful charities more efficiently and directly. Towards Humanity continues now, as a simple idea, a musical statement of solidarity in support of our fragile humanity on this planet.
This multi-decade, multi-media initiative creates numerous charitable opportunities in the form of high-profile concerts, masterclasses, recordings, and other musical initiatives, combining the energies of musicians, humanitarian organisations, international media networks and influential companies, with the aim of inspiring cooperation for peace outside of the political arena.
Towards Humanity has released three CDs, 'Wandering Winds', 'Vivaldi's Children' and 'This Invisible World', incorporating the Towards Humanity concept and principles. The newest release, This Invisible World, is a double CD that aims to support visually impaired people around the world.
benefitting charities
On 14th December 2015 Wissam collaborated with Vanessa Redgrave and Jemma Redgrave in a fundraising performance at Sands Films Studios in support of the Refugee Council and its crucial work. Speeches were also given by Peter Sutherland (UN Special Representative for International Migration), Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Maurice Wren (Chief Executive of the Refugee Council). Over £5000 was raised in donations and there are plans for further work to support the council's vital work to help settle refugees.
Friends of Edward Said National Conservatory of Music UK (FESNCM UK)
Wissam is a Trustee and Music Advisor to this UK-based charity, which is also known as Palmusic UK. They fundraise to support the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music students, teachers and projects, as well as other Palestinian musicians. Wissam will be conducting the St Paul’s Sinfonia in, PALMUSIC UK’s 10th Anniversary Concert, taking place in Southwark Cathedral on 11th October 2023, featuring Palestinian soloists. For further information, please visit the Palmusic website.
LEBANESE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND & DEAF
Wissam has always felt that important lessons can be learned from the Blind and the way their disability can be turned into the very source of their inner strength and inspiration. Wissam's CD recording 'This Invisible World' takes its inspiration from this world and seeks to raise awareness for the Blind, their challenges and their inspirations. Many years ago Wissam performed with musicians from this excellent school in Lebanon, in a fundraising concert that raised $10,000 for their school.
EGYPT - RIGHT TO LIVE ASSOCIATION
The Right to Live Association was a recipient of funds from Towards Humanity's inaugural concert at the Royal Albert Hall, which was a peace concert for the Middle East. Prior to this big concert, Wissam and pianist Amira Fouad toured Egypt and gave a workshop/performance at this caring school for the disabled.
Wissam’s CD 'Vivaldi's Children' is inspired by the fact that Antonio Vivaldi had been a priest who lived in a convent that looked after orphans, which formed the orchestra that performed many of his works…he became known as 'the red-haired priest'! Vivaldi’s Children is linked to SOS Children's Villages, an Austrian charity that takes care of thousands of orphans worldwide. Wissam has visited SOS villages in Zimbabwe and Lebanon, and given performances and workshops for their children and supporters.
PALESTINE - LIBRARY ON WHEELS
Wissam's CD recording "Wandering Winds' has been the catalyst for raising funds for this inspired charity which distributes books in refugee camps and rural areas in Palestine. Library on Wheels was also a recipient of funds from the inaugural Towards Humanity concert, which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London - it was a peace concert for the Middle East.
Peace Child Israel were recipients of funds from Towards Humanity's inaugural concert in 1995, which was a peace concert for the Middle East that took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London and raised funds for five charities in the Middle East.
ALMATY SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
On the first of two tours to Kazakhstan, Wissam visited the local school for the Blind and heard some of their talented musicians there. He was inspired by their talent and dedication, and managed to raise funds to buy a computer with expensive special Braille software for the school. The school doesn't seem to have a website....but not everything needs to be online in order to be deemed to exist!
The Al Hussein Society were recipients of funds from Towards Humanity's inaugural concert in 1995, which was a peace concert for the Middle East which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London and raised funds for five charities in the Middle East.
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