On March 6, 2013 the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC will host a free concert featuring the musical talents of HEARTBEAT. HEARTBEAT is a group of young Israeli and Palestinian musicians who work together to build mutual understanding and transform conflict through the power of music. Founded in 2007 by Aaron Shneyer during his Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship, HEARTBEAT is centered on the idea of music as a force of cultural change.

Collaborating on songs in Hebrew, Arabic, French, and English, the young musicians’ music blends traditional and modern instruments with styles that include elements of hip hop, jazz, folk, and rock. Their EP which features three songs, is available for free download.

Currently on their first United States tour, HEARTBEAT will perform and participate in a Q&A at the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday, March 6 at 3:00pm in the Dean Acheson Auditorium.

The founder of HEARTBEAT, Aaron Shneyer, is a Fulbright-mtvU alumnus who has continued to lead the organization long after his Fulbright-mtvU grant period ended in 2008. Shneyer, who will be touring with the group, will be available for interviews on March 6, from 12:00pm-2pm, by RSVP-only.

The Fulbright-mtvU Fellowship allows up to four American students the opportunity to spend one year abroad working on a project that will fulfill the program’s goal of harnessing the power of music as a global force for mutual understanding. Public-private partnerships like the one between Fulbright and mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, provide unique niche opportunities for students and scholars to participate in the Fulbright program.

You must RSVP if you intend to attend the concert.