On April 29, 2025, the Sala della Regina at the Montecitorio Palace, seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, became a beacon of concord as French pianist and composer Omar Harfouch once again performed his Concerto for Peace. Accompanied by the Béziers Méditerranée Orchestra under conductor Mathieu Bonnin, Harfouch delivered a stirring tribute to Pope Francis with his new composition, "Rome, the Eternal – Homage to Pope Francis." The event, hosted by Italian television icon Mara Venier, drew an illustrious audience of diplomats, nobility, and political figures, underscoring the power of music as a universal language of unity.
Harfouch, named a “Pilgrim of Peace” by Pope Francis in November 2024 and awarded the Vatican’s Pontifical Medal, dedicated his performance to fostering solidarity and dialogue amid global tensions. His Concerto for Peace, inspired by his childhood experiences during Lebanon’s civil war, blends Western classical and Eastern melodies, creating an emotional call for fraternity. “Peace is urgent,” Harfouch declared. “Music is my refuge and my message to eradicate hatred and build bridges between peoples.”
The concert attracted a distinguished guest list, including Prince Emmanuel-Philibert of Savoy with Adriana Abascal, Princess Maria Pia Ruspoli, Prince Mubarak Al Sabah, and Princess Murat. Diplomats such as Giandomenico Magliano, Italy’s Ambassador to France, Renato Mosca, Brazil’s Ambassador, and Enas Mekkaway, Ambassador of the Arab League, attended alongside Ukrainian MP Vadym Stolar and Italian MP Roberto Bagnasco. Robert Ménard, Mayor of Béziers, and MP Emmanuelle Ménard represented France, adding to the event’s international resonance.
Following the performance, the Ruspoli family hosted a gala dinner at the historic Palazzo Ruspoli, a fitting coda to an evening of elegance and cultural diplomacy. The event also showcased creations by students from Istituto Marangoni Paris, a partner of Harfouch’s concerts, highlighting the synergy of music and emerging fashion talent.
This Rome concert marks a milestone in Harfouch’s global tour, following acclaimed performances at Paris’s Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the Vatican’s Apostolic Library, and Dubai Opera. His next stop is the Théâtre Municipal de Béziers on May 8, 2025, where at a sold-out concert, he will continue to champion peace through art.
“Music transcends political and religious divides,” Harfouch said. “It’s a space for reconciliation, as Pope Francis reminds us—to aspire to everything without violence.” As Harfouch’s tour progresses, his work continues to inspire audiences worldwide, proving that art can be a catalyst for hope and humanity.
