Daniel Barenboim to extend Berlin Opera contract
AFP
BERLIN- Daniel Barenboim, the Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor, is to extend his contract as general music director of the Berlin's renowned State Opera, city officials said Thursday.
His current contract runs out in July of next year.
City officials did not specify for how long Barenboim would renew his engagement, saying this would be made public at a signing ceremony on Wednesday.
Daniel Barenboim
A tireless campaigner for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Barenboim conducted an orchestra of top European musicians at a special concert in Gaza in May.
Barenboim received a British knighthood last week in a ceremony at the British embassy in Berlin for his work toward reconciliation in the Middle East through music.
Despite being an honorary Knight Commander of the most excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE), he is not entitled to use a "Sir" title -- a privilege reserved for Britons.
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