Ein Kerem Music Festival Returns for Hanukkah with New Orchestra
The sixth Ein Kerem Music Festival will take place in Jerusalem from December 9 to 12, featuring classical, jazz, and oriental performances, alongside the debut of ORCHESTRA ONE.
The Ein Kerem Music Festival is returning for its sixth edition from December 9 to 12 during Hanukkah, offering four days of concerts and musical encounters in Jerusalem. This year, the festival is expanding for the first time to the YMCA International Hall, alongside the Church of John in the Wilderness in Ein Kerem, featuring a program that combines classical music, jazz, opera, and oriental and electronic music.
At the heart of the festival will be the launch of ORCHESTRA ONE, a new orchestra comprising approximately 35 musicians, conducted and musically directed by Chen Zimbalista. The orchestra will present the program 'Three Religions, One Melody', blending creators and performers from diverse musical backgrounds. Participants will include singer Nour Darwish, qanun player Ariel Kassis, and violinist Martha Kedem. The concert will feature the Jerusalem premiere of Moshe Zorman's composition 'Wind from the East'.
Opening events will take place on December 9 at the YMCA, featuring the new orchestra's concert and the 'Classical Ambience' performance with pianist Yehezkel Raz and the Music Factory Ensemble. Some events will be held in the building's legendary pool hall, known for its unique acoustics. The following day, a family show inspired by the musical 'The Lion King' will also be held at the venue.
Performances at the Church of John in the Wilderness will include Jonathan Avishai and Mayo Shiburu, Guy Figer with a program dedicated to Vivaldi's 'Winter', and the Magnificat Ensemble performing 'Stabat Mater'. Additional highlights include an Ethiopian jazz performance featuring Abate Berihun and Oleg Bogod, the musical encounter 'Sheikh Jarrah Meets Katamon', and a premiere show combining classical and electronic music with Zimbalista and DJ MESH. The festival marks a decade of activity for the Music Factory. Additionally, masterclasses for teenagers aged 13 to 19 will be held from December 5 to 9, led by participating festival musicians, with student showcase concerts open to the public free of charge.
