In 1999, Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian-American scholar and friend Edward Said began a workshop for young musicians from Israel and Arab countries. The purpose was to build mutual understanding despite differences. In 2005, the resulting orchestra performed a historic concert in Ramallah, a Palestinian city that symbolizes ethnic strife. The orchestra is managed by the Barenboim-Said Foundation based in Seville, Spain. Participants range in age from 14 to 28. The grant was used for scholarships for orchestra members form Egypt, Syria, Iran and Israel.