Israeli Andalusian Orchestra
התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית אשדוד
Orchestra
Abatte Barihun performing with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra
Founded1987 (1987)
LocationAshdod, Israel
Websitewww.andalusit.co.il

Israeli Andalusian Orchestra (Hebrew: התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית) is an Israeli orchestra founded in Ashdod, Israel.

History

A project to honor the heritage of immigrants from the Magreb which was to become the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra, was formed in Ashdod in December 1987, as a joint initiative of the liturgical singer and classical conductor Moti Malka and then-mayor Arieh Azulay,[1] both of Moroccan origin.[2] The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra, which is financed by the Ashdod municipality and the Culture Ministry, has become an Israeli musical and cultural icon, touring in Israel, the United States,[3] and European countries.[1]

The orchestra comprises around 30 musicians and lyricists, mainly of Tunisian, Moroccan and Russian origin. It features traditional Sephardic Jewish-Arab and Andalusian music and poetry, combining classical Arab-Andalusian and European instruments. The orchestra's artistic director and head conductor is Sivan Albo-Ben Hur.

Awards and recognition

In 2006, the orchestra was awarded the Israel Prize, for its lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Cidor, Peggy (16 November 2006). "Classical Sephardi conquers the world". Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  2. ^ Bouziane, Daoudi (2 March 2000). "L'Orchestre Andalous d'Israël réunit musiciens séfarades et ashkénazes". Libération (in French). Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  3. ^ Heckman, Don (21 June 2000). "Israel Andalusian Orchestra Offers Impressive Blend". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Israel Prize Official Site – Recipient's C.V." (in Hebrew). "Israel Prize Official Site – Judges' Rationale for Grant to Recipient" (in Hebrew). Archived from the original on 2008-12-26.

External links

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