July, 2010

Version française ci-dessous - Oslo, Norway — Since his breakthrough as a composer more than 30 years ago, Lasse Thoresen has been searching for a musical language that brings the world's diverse cultures together. Now, one of his innovative vocal works is being acclaimed for the similarities it draws between ancient and modern, as well as Scandinavian folk music and sounds more associated with the Middle East. The piece, titled Opus 42, has won a prestigious music award.

PeaceXPeace - “Ferishta, a young mother who returned to Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban with nothing, tells a story that is remarkable and also typical.”  In the week of the Kabul Conference, I know Afghanistan’s  future depends on its women. In June 2009, I visited Mazar-e Sharif to better understand the status of women. I interviewed women of all ages and heard stories of oppression, violence, and resilience. Every woman I met had hope for the future of Afghanistan, as well as for the lives of women across the country.