Sunday 30 November 2008, 1.30 – 10pm
Patron of the Day: Sir Peter Maxwell Davies Master of the Queen’s Music

Honouree: Tzvi Avni, distinguished Israeli composer
For details see the 2 page flyer (pdf) and Timetable (word)

See review of event in the Independent
See photos of event, the orchestras and some VIPs
Read the full programme (pdf)

This amazing day featured works by: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Michael Wolpe, Peter Maxwell Davies, Noam Sheriff, Thomas Adès as well as music by younger British and Israeli composers and specially honoured the distinguished Israeli Composer Tzvi Avni.  It was performed by over 100 young British instrumentalists together with outstanding soloists from Israel who were: Taiseer Elias, one of the worlds greatest oud players who is also Professor of Arabic Music at the Jerusalem Academy and Sharon Rostorf-Zamir, renowned Israeli soprano. It was the South Bank debut of the Eden Sinfonia under its dynamic young Israeli conductor Daniel Cohen – a protégé of Daniel Barenboim. Also the Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Singer performed Noam Sheriff’s viola concerto, with internationally renowned Israeli violist, Rivka Golani and student Ben Baker. The day also welcomed ensembles from the Royal College of Music, Trinity College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire as well as winners of the Spiro Ark Israeli Music Competition. In the foyer there was contrasting music from: New Noise, improvisation group from Brunel University and Hadar Manor, Israeli busker who won the title of 'Queen of the Underground' the day also featured the Film: The Band's Visit - Bikur Ha-Tizmoret.

Musical Dialogues was presented by the Jewish Music Institute, Forum for Israeli Music, Director, Malcolm Miller together with the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, President Professor Ilan Schul. Artistic Advisor, Michael Wolpe, Head of Composition at the Jerusalem Academy and JMI Visiting Composer from Israel. It was part of a 15-day programme of British and Israeli music in the UK with lectures, workshops, masterclasses and performances in Birmingham, Cambridge, Weybridge and several venues and music colleges in and around London and supported by Bi Arts, Clive Marks OBE, and other individuals and trusts.

modified February 8, 2010