Legendary Israeli Artists Stage Grand Tribute to Historic Song Festival
Sixteen legendary Israeli singers are gathering at Heichal HaTarbut in Tel Aviv for a festive tribute concert celebrating the historic Israel Song Festival, hosted by Yehoram Gaon.
Israeli music is returning to its greatest moments as 16 legendary singers take the stage at Heichal HaTarbut in Tel Aviv for a festive tribute concert dedicated to the historic Israel Song Festival. Established in 1960, the festival served for decades as a cultural cornerstone that traditionally concluded the Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations, providing countless timeless classics and record-breaking television ratings.
The special evening will be hosted by Yehoram Gaon, one of the festival's most veteran participants, who will share behind-the-scenes memories and perform his greatest hits. He will be joined by Ilanit and the original performers of iconic classics, including Avi Toledano, Ilana Avital, Daphna Armoni, Izhar Cohen, Miri Aloni, Natan Slor, Sylvan and Yair, the Sexta band, Irit Dotan, and Shuli Natan.
The stage will feature a lineup of beloved songs that became the ultimate Israeli soundtrack, such as "A-Ba-Ni-Bi", "Ahavathei Shel Teresa Di Meon", "BeDerech Chazara", "Shir LeErev Chag", "Otoch", and "Noldati LaShalom", accompanied by rare archival footage and photographs.
During the event, two emotional tribute awards will be presented to key figures who shaped the festival and Hebrew song: 95-year-old Hanoch Hasson, former head of Kol Yisrael's music department and the entertainment division at Channel 1, who edited and produced most of the festivals; and 92-year-old Effi Netzer, who led the traditional sing-alongs during the vote counting and composed the 1969 festival winner, "Ballad for a Medic". Vered Picker serves as musical director and arranger, with Yuval Niv directing the production.
