Against the background of the war, there is no stopping in Ashdod and on the occasion of 30 years of creation of the "Israeli Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod" they have chosen to open the 2024 season with a festive opening concert, "Between Makam and Lekomen", conducted by Sivan Albo Ben Hur and with the participation of Benjamin Bozaglo and Valerie Hamati.
The two grew up on the Makam tradition and the unique soundtrack created in Israel, which combines the different cultures and languages.
The concert, which will be held on January 28 at the Mishkan for the Performing Arts in Be'er Sheva and will be the opening shot of a series of concerts throughout the country, will combine classics from the world of maqam and piot, alongside original works by Valeri and Benjamin in new arrangements and the orchestra's new interpretation.
In a joint interview, Valerie Hamati and Elad Levy, the orchestra's artistic director, talk about the power of music these days and the attempt to continue even though the war is not over yet.
IDF forces in Nahal Oz. "Iron Swords" war, photo: Yossi Zeliger
"In the first two months since the war broke out, there was also a problem getting together, so in addition to the fact that everything stopped, even if we wanted to have rehearsals or meetings it was impossible," Elad explains.
"On the other hand, the musicians of the orchestra were assigned to so many activities of volunteering and respite for evacuees all over the country, from the Dead Sea to Kiryat Shmona. The orchestra is made up of classical musicians as well as those who come from Andalusian Arabic music from the east, so it was possible to direct the musicians according to what they requested."
And you decided that even though the war is not over, you celebrate the season and go on a concert tour.
"The decision was made not long ago, with very great concerns. On the other hand, music has power, it creates miracles - I got to see it in the activities I did in the last three months. It changes moods in an extreme way and people are thirsty for it."
"I was most happy about the offer, because I have known the Andalusian since I was a child," adds Hamati.
"I love their musical style, which I grew up with and it's very much in my culture. I know all the instruments there, the music, so I was happy to collaborate with them for the first time, especially during this time. It gives me air to breathe - work, rehearsals, see the people a little All over the country, with people I have met in the last three months under unfortunate circumstances.
"It's been almost three months that I've been performing every day in hotels, in hospitals, in Kidnappers Square. So it's true that we're still in a difficult time, but suddenly performing with the orchestra, a complete performance, is something else. The audience is thirsty for it, we're thirsty for it. Music is not only When you're happy and well - it's therapy for everything and it's necessary."
As an Israeli Arab, I assume that it has not been easy for you lately.
"There's no doubt that it's not the most pleasant and fun to be an 'Israeli Arab' these days, and I emphasize that it's in quotation marks because I don't like this term. After all, you don't say Israeli Jew - we're all Israelis. It's not pleasant and it's not fun, you get ripped off from both sides, but in the end I can say about myself that I am Israeli in everything."
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