May music tour of Israel: A pianist’s mission to heal through harmony
In a world increasingly defined by conflict and division, one concert pianist is striking a different chord. Peter Simon, an acclaimed American musician with a career that spans continents, is preparing for a deeply personal and profoundly symbolic journey. In May 2025, Simon will travel to Israel for a special tour that blends world-class artistry with a mission of compassion — offering free concerts across the country to bring healing, hope, and humanity to communities in pain.
Far from a typical international tour, Simon’s visit is a gift — an offering rooted in empathy. ‘I have a lot of empathy for the Israeli people and what they are going through,’ he says. ‘Therefore, I have decided to travel to Israel and give free concerts, so they will be able to hear and enjoy beautiful music.’
Simon’s performances will not be limited to grand stages. While he is scheduled to play at notable venues such as the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, the true soul of the tour lies in his outreach to communities that have faced tremendous hardship. In addition to concerts, he will donate two grand pianos to places in desperate need of cultural and emotional restoration.
One of those pianos will be given to the community of Katzrin in the Golan Heights, a quiet town far from the cultural epicenters of Israel. The second is earmarked for Nahal Oz, a kibbutz near the Gaza border that was devastated by the October 7 attacks in 2024. In that tragedy, families were shattered, and homes destroyed. Many residents are currently living in temporary housing at a hotel nearby, where Simon will perform a private concert — a tender and respectful gesture to those still recovering from unimaginable loss.
The donated piano for Nahal Oz will eventually be installed in a new community building currently under construction. To Simon, this is more than a musical instrument — it is a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of a people determined to rebuild.
Simon’s gift, like his music, resonates on a deeply human level. His performances are known for their warmth, accessibility, and unique blend of classical repertoire with storytelling and humor. He draws audiences in not just with his technical brilliance, but with his generosity of spirit — a quality that has earned him loyal fans from Carnegie Hall to concert stages in Tokyo.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Simon has traveled the world sharing music, performing across the United States, Europe, Asia, and beyond. His approach is deeply personal. He doesn’t play at audiences; he plays for them. With each performance, he invites people into the emotional world of the music — whether they are seasoned concertgoers or hearing classical piano for the first time.
In addition to being a celebrated performer, Simon is a passionate educator and lifelong advocate for the arts. With academic degrees in both Philosophy and Music, he brings a thoughtful, reflective perspective to everything he does. Over the years, he has visited hundreds of schools throughout the U.S., using humor and storytelling to introduce children to the beauty and joy of classical music.
That same spirit of accessibility fuels his tour in Israel. For Simon, music is not a luxury for the privileged, but a necessity for the soul — especially in times of sorrow. ‘Music has a way of speaking when words fall short,’ he says. ‘I hope these concerts will offer peace, even if just for a few moments.’
As Israel continues to process collective trauma and slowly rebuild what was lost, Simon’s visit is a reminder that healing takes many forms. It can come through acts of service, through shared experience — and yes, through the powerful resonance of a piano played with care.
In a time of division, Peter Simon’s journey is a powerful testament to unity. With each note, he offers more than music — he offers mercy, memory, and the quiet promise of a better tomorrow.
Beautiful article.
A lovely article.
What a very kind and generous spirit. Words fall short of this talented pianist. A privilege to know him.