Israeli Andalusian Orchestra
Israeli traditional orchestra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra (Hebrew: התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית) is a musical ensemble based in Ashdod, Israel.
| Israeli Andalusian Orchestra התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית אשדוד | |
|---|---|
| Orchestra | |
Abate Berihun performing with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra | |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Location | Ashdod, Israel |
| Website | www |
History
Originating as a project to honor the heritage of immigrants from the Maghreb, 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 orchestra is financed by the Ashdod municipality and the Culture Ministry and has toured Israel, the United States,[3] and several European countries.[1]
The orchestra comprises around 30 musicians and singers, mainly of Tunisian, Moroccan and Russian origin. It features traditional Sephardic, Jewish-Arab and Andalusian music and poetry, combining classical Arab-Andalusian and Western instruments. The orchestra's artistic director and head conductor is Sivan Albo-Ben Hur. Guest musicians who have performed with the orchestra include Raymonde Abecassis[4] and Abate Barihun.
Awards and recognition
In 2006, the orchestra was awarded the Israel Prize, for its lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.[5]
In 2025, President Isaac Herzog's office named Moti Malka, founder of the orchestra, among the nine recipients of the Presidential Medal of Honour.[6]