Israeli Contemporary Music Festival

Transcription

1 Israeli Contemporary Music Festival

2 Introduction History and Vision The Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna, was established in1973 by the musician and pianist Amalia Reuel. We are guided by the belief that any child, regardless of physical or mental ability, socio-economic level, ethnicity or religious affiliation, should be exposed to, and provided with the opportunity to experience high quality music instruction. Indeed, equality and integration are fundamental values at the Conservatory. Motivated and dedicated children are provided with equally high standards of individualized arts education, irrespective of background. Significantly, they study and perform together with peers who reflect the full human mosaic of Jerusalem. We offer challenging and well-rounded educational programs while implementing innovative and creative instructional methodologies. Mission The Conservatory s mission is to provide each student with an individualized program best maximizing the child s artistic and personal development. We see each child as a world unto themselves; as such, we are fully committed to ensuring that they benefit from the program of study best suited to their unique needs and aspirations. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, personalized approach and genuine concern for the wellbeing - artistic, social and otherwise - of each and every student. Students are welcomed warmly into our world and encouraged to make it their own. Our Staff and Student Body Currently, the Conservatory serves as a second home to some 550 children, aged 3 to 18. Our students represent Jerusalem s full religious, national and economic diversity while our Jewish students reflect the widest possible cross-section of religious observance. The Conservatory draws on the talents of an accomplished faculty. We nurture individual excellence in a challenging and supportive community dedicated to the highest standards of performance, teaching and scholarship. Our staff includes 85 professionals, Israeli born as well as immigrants from 10 different countries. We are proud to attract some of Israel s finest music instructors; various faculty members are invited to lead masters classes worldwide and are members of Israel s best orchestras. Under their careful guidance, our gifted student body is given the tools necessary to achieve excellence and international acclaim.

3 Objectives The Israeli Contemporary Music Festival, founded in 2005, is a unique enterprise of the Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna for the advancement of Israeli contemporary music. As an institution that educates the future generation of musicians in Israel, Hassadna recognized the need to introduce young artists to contemporary Israeli music and those creating it. Young musicians are raised primarily on traditional classical music and are not sufficiently exposed to wonderful music currently being written locally. The Festival recognizes the importance of contemporary Israeli composition and aims to bring musicians, teachers and students closer to this rich repertoire and to provide a stage for Israeli composers. We attach great importance to the existence of this endeavor and believe it is the most appropriate forum for creating collaboration and connections between contemporary composers and young interpreters. Festival Details Workshops with Israeli composers The first part of the Festival consisted of unique workshops with leading Israeli composers and take place during the month of November. The festival has hosted some of Israel s most prolific and senior composers including: Haim Alexander, Yehezkel Braunm, Noam Sheriff, Ynam Leef, Moshe Zorman, Yoni Rechter, Yehudit Ravitz, Menachem Wiesenberg, Benjamin Yosufov, Slava Ganelin and Israel Sharon together with some of our country s most promising young composers such as Lior Navok, Hana Hajiashwili, Contrabassist Avishay Cohen, Trumpesit Avishay Cohen, Avi Berman, Eran El Bar, Doron Kaufman, Zohar Sharon, Uri Bracha, Aviya Kopelman and Eli Dejibri. These encounters provided participants and the audience with the rare opportunity to peer into the inner world of the composers. The composers bring the audience closer to their work and cleared up some of the fog that surrounds modern Israeli composition. Our guest composers are provided with a special platform to share their working process. In return, the audience enjoys the opportunity to become acquainted with the music, music which became more understandable and accessible over the course of the workshops. The encounters are held at the Conservatory concert hall and are open to the public free of charge. Some people are present at each encounter, including dozens of Conservatory students of different ages and teachers, musicians and the public at large.

4 Festive concerts The second part of the Festival, which included a series of festive concerts by leading musicians and out standing Conservatory students, was held in honor of Israeli Independence Day during the months of May and June. The concerts included a rich and varied repertory of contemporary Israeli music, including a number of premiere performances of works commissioned by the Festival. Indeed, pieces composed by composers who participated in November were selected. They were performed alongside compositions from composers Prof. Zvi Avni, Aharon Harlap, Haim Permont, Devora Shrem, Eyal Bat, Yohanan Kendler, Daniel Shalit, Jan Freidleen and Inbal Jamshid. Festival s celebratory closing concert took place at the Jerusalem Music Center- Mishkenot Sha ananim. It was narrated by Mr. Dan Kanner and a professional quality live recording was made by the Jerusalem center. Students participating in this closing concert have won prizes in national and international music competitions and this particular opportunity to perform was very prestigious and meaningful for them. High level performances were accompanied by excitement displayed by artists, students, teachers and composers. Indeed, this event represented a very strong emotional and educational experience. Festival Highlights The period between the encounters in November and the May concerts is significant in that it enables the Festival to reach its strongest possible impact. Students undergo an extended period of intensive work within the context of the Conservatory s orchestra, chamber groups and as soloists. They are guided in this process by their teachers and instructors. The highlight of their experience is undoubtedly their work with the composers. A very special and magical process occurs during this period; students experience growing enthusiasm and excitement while they become increasingly attached to the pieces and the composers. Students, teachers and composers work together under the auspices of the Conservatory for many months with the purpose of understanding and experiencing the ultimate inner meaning of the composer s own work. This opportunity is extremely fascinating, thoughtprovoking and engaging. It represents the pinnacle of the musical education we strive to provide.

5 Recordings Festival recordings are broadcasted throughout the year on all major contemporary music programs featuring Israeli classical music on the radio station Kol Hamuzika Recording the festival s repertoire is incredibly significant in promoting the preservation and love of Israeli music and encouraging its long-term integration into Israeli society. Recordings of this nature make a significant contribution to the composers and artists participating in the festival and to the advancement of Israeli music in general. Commissioned Compositions We see the festival as a singular opportunity for the performance of contemporary compositions as well as the creation of new ones. The commissioning of new works gives contemporary Israeli composers tremendous feelings of support and encouragement in what can be a lonely process. For the students and artists, it represents a unique opportunity to perform at a worldwide premiere with all the prestige and excitement that this entails. This program necessarily enriches, strengthens and broadens the existing Israeli repertoire. Most of all, this is an amazing opportunity to create a bond between new music written from the soul of Israeli composers to touching the souls of Israel s future musicians. We are extremely honored to have commissioned and facilitated the exposure of the compositions performed at the festival: Karel Wolniansky-Israeli Adagiettio for chamber orchestra (2005) Israel Sharon- Pasacalia and Allegro for chamber orchestra (2006) Yohanan Kendler- Andante for viola and piano (2007) Zohar Sharon- The Storm for trio clarinet, cello and piano (2007) Michael Wolfe- 'Circles of Time' for chamber orchestra (2008) Israel Sharon- Humoresque for violin and piano (2008) Hana Ajiashwili- Trio Mobile for piano trio (2008) Noam Sherif- Memories for cello and piano (2008) Deborah Schrem- 'Noah Arch' for an ensemble and narrator (2008) Ynam Leef - Madrigal for Cello and Chamber Orchestra (2009). Moshe Zorman - 'Hanoded' for String Quartet (2009) Yehezkel Braun - Fantasy for Piano Trio (2009). Aviya Kopelman - 'Gloomy Birthday' for voice, flute, contrabass, piano and drums (2009). Conclusion Composer Noam Sheriff shared with us an experience of his while instructing the young pianist Masha Yulin: During the working process, Masha spontaneously turned to him and explained how moving it is for her to meet a live composer! At that moment I was very happy to be alive! commented Mr. Sherif. We view this Festival as an endeavor with many educational, social, Zionist and artistic aspects. Due to its impressive success during past years, we hope to turn this unique model into a permanent tradition in Jerusalem.

6 Festival Impact Prof. Moshe Zorman, Composer: (2009) After the incredibly moving experience I observed today, I want to say a few words as a composer. The root of the world conservatory comes from the concept to conserve. Accordingly, most conservatories preserve great, rich cultural pieces which have broad support, but their work ends there. Something meaningful is lost in this process. This is exactly what I discovered at the Jerusalem Conservatory Hassadna. The Conservatory has found a way to both conserve and while also making music alive and this is what we have seen tonight. Indeed, they are conserving the abilities of young musicians while also bringing us something new and refreshing. It was incredibly moving to work with the artists - I feel blessed to be able to bring them Sara Levy Tanay's music and legend. While she may be an icon of Israel of the 1940 s and 50 s, teaching young people about her brings that period back to life and transmits her work from generation to generation. I have no doubt that the lives of the young musicians here have been changed as a result; they will not only be engaged in conservation, rather innovation. I am grateful for the wonderful staff which brought this project into being and hope that you will be granted the strength to continue your important work for many years! Prof. Noam Sherif, Composer: (2007) I am speechless when trying to express the excitement I feel when I see before me the realization of a dream I didn t even dare to dream - an institution which dedicates itself completely to the essence of the culture of music. The Israeli composer is provided with new life thanks to young energy not only engaged in the creation of classical music but also contributing their talents to giving Israeli artists the recognition they deserve. This is essential! While we may not be able to reach standards set by the greatest composers, we can still wholeheartedly believe that initiatives such as this will result in the creation of music of which our country can be proud. I thank and bless Hassadna for this wonderful initiative.

7 Prof. Michael Wolfe, Composer: (2008) ''One of the most important events occurring in the Israeli music scene over the past few years was the establishment of Hassadna s Israeli Contemporary Music Festival. This has created new and most exciting reality. During this year's festival, a complex discourse took place engaging several generations of performers and four generations of composers. With this, the Festival accomplished our most important mission as composers even more important than the act of composing that is, engaging in education and transferring our music to future generations. The Festival creates a stylistic atmosphere which represents so wonderfully the spirit of time and place. I am thrilled to be able to engage in stylistic unity and professionalism of the highest degree. Magically, the Festival successfully brings together the three audiences that I am familiar with as a musician - teachers and students, composers and performers and a festival audience. This is a devoted group that continues to expand. For me as a composer, to work with the talented young musicians who performed my composition, to experience bliss, together with the students, when hearing the sounds of my music and to experience the joy of sharing with them - this is a great honor. Thank you so much!' Prof. Yinam Leef, Composer: (2006) Hassadna s Israeli music Festival held last year was a great success it far exceeded expectations. Students and their teachers were introduced to new works and dealt with a serious and demanding repertoire in an admirable way. They engaged in high level performances which were spiritually uplifting. There is no doubt that participants have set and achieved very high standards. Indeed, the Conservatory s directors, teachers and students, are very ambitious and serve as an example to other, similar, educational institutions in Israel and abroad. Their desire to continue this project and make it an annual tradition is remarkable and worthy of all possible support! Prof. Max Stern, Composer: (2006) The Israeli Contemporary Music Festival was prepared with such incredible care, devotion and dedication. Your enthusiasm recalls the pioneering period of Israel s history when composers, performers, teachers, musicologists and student joined hands in creating a new modern culture in Eretz Yisrael. May your enthusiasm never grow old, nor your inspiration falter. May your efforts be blessed and bring forth new fruits in their seasons.

8 Artistic Director: Ronit Berman Phone: Conservatory Office: Address: 22 Emek Rephaim Street P.O. Box 8119, Jerusalem, Israel Phone: Fax: