What the Festival is About
The Jerusalem International Oud Festival, hosted by Confederation House and endorsed by the Jerusalem Municipality, prepares for its 25th edition from November 21-30. Events will be spread across Jerusalem, including notable venues like Jerusalem Theatre and the National Library of Israel.
Why It Matters
This anniversary marks a testament to Israel’s commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural diversity and heritage through music. Despite numerous challenges like security concerns and limited state funding, the festival stands as a successful endeavor in rallying people from different backgrounds through the universality of music.
The Festival’s Journey
The festival has remarkably evolved from a modest two-day event at the Confederation House to a grand annual occasion featuring international artists. Effie Benaya, the visionary behind the festival, has navigated through tough times and brought leading acts from around the world without losing focus on Arabic musical traditions.
Blending cultures and Music
This festival has been instrumental in celebrating cultural intersections, inviting both Arab and Jewish musicians to share a stage. It famously uses the oud, pivotal in Arabic music, as a central symbol in promoting harmony. Indigenous musicians, together with international stars, continue to enrich the festival with diverse influences.
Highlights and Future Aspirations
The festival promises outstanding performances, such as the commemoration of renowned Arabic music giants and concerts featuring authoritative oud players in conjunction with other genres like jazz and world music. These collaborative efforts drive cultural appreciation and bridge-building in the musical realm.
Benaya’s Vision
Effie Benaya’s enduring dedication ensures the festival remains influential and accessible, rooting it firmly in its community heritage while expanding its global outreach. His mantra resonates through his work as he believes in spreading love and openness through the enchanting power of music.
Cultural Impact
Over the years, the festival has attracted increasingly diverse crowds, blending musical tastes and engaging younger generations with Middle Eastern music. This inclusiveness augments greater cultural awareness and wishes to transform common perceptions through melodic expression.
This story was first published on jpost.com.