Concert Programs: Jewish and Israeli Music
Experience the multi cultural nature of Jewish Life through music, with diverse concert programs exploring the past, present and future of Jewish culture, performed by renowned Israeli artists
Hanukkah Lights up the World
Join us for a joyous celebration hosted by MusicTalks’ Elad Kabilio.
Yiddish Theatre Star Daniella Rabbani, Israeli Soloist Inbar Goldmann, and 12th Night Klezmer will revel in international songs and stories inspired by the Festival of Lights; from Klezmer and Ladino to classical opera and jazz!
Klezmer: From the Shtetl to the Big Apple
Discover the hidden jewels of Klezmer and Gypsy music with melodies shaped by the experiences of the people who created them. Take a trip through the shtetl of Eastern Europe and the jazzy nightclubs of the Big Apple.
In Jewish Harmony – Music from Synagogues Around the World
A multi-sensory visit of ten historic synagogues around the world. Travel back in time and space to experience the vast Jewish cultures through an intimate look at the stories behind the structures that were the center of Jewish life. Listen to musical performances authentic to each era and civilization and watch the unique architectural features and artistic design unfold in a multimedia presentation.
The Sounds of Jerusalem
Celebrate 3000 years of Jerusalem’s rich history. Journey through the cultural landscape of this ancient holy ground, and reflect upon its importance to Jews, Muslims and Christians both in Israel and around the world. This program explores the diversity of cultures that call this city home through an array of musical genres such as Klezmer, Ladino, Israeli and Arabic song, Gospel and Opera.
Israeli Songbook – The Songs of Jerusalem
Israeli singer Judah Gavra and the MusicTalks Ensemble offer a concert in honor of Jerusalem Day. From liturgical to pop, host Elad Kabilio will offer an in-depth look at classic and modern songs celebrating Jerusalem.
Hatikvah
The incredible musical journey of the Israeli anthem. Discover the origins of Hatikva’s musical material dating back to the renaissance and track its gradual dispersion throughout eastern Europe. Listen to the countless versions and learn about their unusual content and use. Follow the path of this simple song into the hearts and souls of european culture, connecting the Jews of the diaspora to form a united Jewish family, and eventually the united Jewish nation of Israel.
Ladino – A Heritage of Song
An exploration of the rich history of the Ladino language and music. Ladino music, known for its unique color and timber, utilizes a wide range of texts, some derived from biblical tales, others from modern secular songs. This program showcases strong feminist statements and is led by a female singer.
Israeli Songbook – A Tribute to Yemenite Singers
Celebrate the heritage, talent and incredible contribution of Yemenite-Jewish artists to the Israeli Songbook. In this high-energy concert, Israeli-Yemenite singer Ariella Edvy along with the MusicTalks Ensemble and host Elad Kabilio, will pay tribute to the role of Yemenite singers such as Ofra Haza, Eurovision winners Izhar Cohen and Gali Atari, and Noa (Achinoam Nini), featuring iconic songs along with traditional Yemenite music.
Effer Ve’Avak – Ashes and Dust
A special concert of Holocaust Remembrance. Elad Kabilio and the MusicTalks Ensemble, featuring Israeli Singer Gilad Paz, take a close look at “Ashes and Dust” (Effer Ve’Avak), Yehuda Poliker and Yaakov Gilad’s remarkable 1988 album that spoke of their experiences as sons of Holocaust survivors in Israel, and especially of the Jewish community in Thessaloniki (Saloniki) in Greece.
A Tribute to Arik Einstein – “The Voice of Israel”
Celebrate the music and life of Arik Einstein, “the voice of Israel” and a pioneer of Israeli rock music, through a live performance by Israeli singers Ariella Edvy and Omer Shaish and an ensemble of musicians from MusicTalks, interspersed with stories and historical background.
The program is presented in English featuring songs in Hebrew.
Kol Ba’Isha: A Tribute to Israel’s Most Prominent Female Poets
With a “beguiling voice” (NYTimes) Israeli-American singer-songwriter and actress, Shira Averbuch, and an all Female Israeli-American ensemble pay tribute to Israel’s female poets. Through story and song Shira will take you on a journey into the heart of Israel’s inspiring women of song like Rachel, Leah Goldberg, Tirtza Atar and more.
The Story of Israel Through its Songs
This unique program offers an intimate look at the history of Israeli song and its most inspiring cultural figures. Starting with Naomi Shemer, who reveled in the beauty and wonder of the young land and the foundation of our nation, through the era of the popular army bands, aiding the nation through its hardships, and the rise of “Mizrahi” music with icons such as Zohar Argov. From entertaining phenomena such as the Eurovision Song Contest and leading up to the current trends of world music, blending the diverse cultures that make up the Israeli nation, best known through young musical innovators such as Idan Reichel.
Also available – The Story of Israel Through its Songs: Lecture Edition
Ethiopian Jazz and Funk
Discover the touching story of the Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel, their courageous journey to Israel and their heritage in a unique performance featuring NYC’s premier Ethiopian groove and funk band “ Abbess Orchestra”. A warm, analog rendition of Ethiopian tunes from the 60’s-70’s and original music inspired by that time and sound.
The Israeli Song Book – The Songs of Rachel and Leah
Metropolitan Opera Singer Maya Lahyani leads an evening of songs by the most influential Israeli female poets Rachel and Leah. The story of the incredible women who took a major part in the rejuvenation of the hebrew language and shaping the identity of Israeli poetry and culture.
Eurovision Celebration
An evening featuring the most famous Israeli songs from the Eurovision Song Contest as well as songs originating in other countries, accompanied by entertaining and spicy anecdotes about this unique competition and its competitors.
Israeli Songbook – Israel Now
This exciting concert features current Israeli pop and indie music and showcases the popular trends in Israeli music as well as its highly diverse mix of musical genres originating from all around the world
The Great Jewish Composers
Jewish composers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries – The piano quintet unravels the story of Jewish superstar composers in the 19th century: Mendelssohn, Mahler and Bloch, their struggle with belief, and popular Jewish themes in their music.
Selichot
A unique and spiritual concert experience exploring Slichot through liturgical and secular music. With music selections that spans over hundreds of years, this program for Cello and Piano gives a new look into the process of Slichot, celebrating self reflection and rejuvenation.
The Israeli Musical Melting Pot
What is Israeli music and what sets it apart from Jewish music?
The story of the cultural melting pot that was integral in the formation of a new Israeli identity. European composers who embraced the cultural diversity of the Jewish diaspora, such as Ben Haim, Sasha Argov and Zvi Avni, painted the Israeli landscape through music, signified the birth of Israeli art song, and explored Liturgical music through secular lenses. These cultural icons satisfied the great need to create a new identity for a brand new nation through the fusion of Sephardic and Ashkenazy musical languages, Yemenite dances and Hasidic tunes.
Jewish Jazz
An evening of Jazz improvisation on Jewish tunes, gospels, songs and Piyutim.
This program offers a fresh look at ancient Jewish texts that date back as far as a thousand years, and the fascinating process of blending in current Jazz music.
Family Holiday Concert
Discover the colorful world of Jazz through an exciting holiday themed concert extravaganza featuring the Virtousic Israeli Jazz flutist Hadar Noiberg and her magnificent band! Join us with the entire family and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with a jazz spin on favorites such as the Nutcracker, Let it Snow and popular Hanukkah tunes!
The Soulful Clarinet
This flavorful concert shines a spotlight on Israel/Yéménite virtuoso clarinetist Avigail Malachi and her musical journey from Israel to the big apple. Avigail will explore the German romantic tradition with Robert Schumann, and touch on her roots with Yemenite inspired music by Israeli composer Paul Ben Haim. The closing piece will depict the Jazz culture of New York City through pieces by George Gershwin, and demonstrate the versatility and range of the clarinet with a virtuosic show piece by Weber.