The 'Jerusalem East and West' Orchestra on a Rooted Musical Journey Between Kurdistan, Turkey, Greece, and Israel

The new season of the 'Jerusalem East and West Orchestra,' conducted by Maestro Tom Cohen, will open by hosting Itzik Kala, one of the pillars of Mediterranean music in Israel, a 'Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem' (Yakir Yerushalayim), and winner of this year's EMI Lifetime Achievement Award. The 'Artist Portrait / Stations in Time' series, which will host Kala, offers a glimpse into the gems and hits from the rich repertoire of an artist with an extensive career. Kala, who has been active for five decades and holds an amazing repertoire of songs, returns to the stage at this time as a victor after a challenging period.

In the concert, the audience will embark on a rooted journey between Kurdistan, Turkey, Greece, and Israel through Kala's greatest hits. Maestro Cohen has chosen to create special medleys for songs such as: 'I Call Your Name' (Ani Kore BeShimcha), 'My Life for Yours' (Hayay Lema'anech), 'Dalale,' and more.

Also to be performed: 'Aba Neshama,' 'Until the Day I Die' (Ad Yom Moti), 'Tell Me' (Sifri Li), and 'Mami Mami,' originally titled 'Mavi Mavi' and performed by the giant Turkish star İbrahim Tatlıses. This is one of the greatest hits of Mediterranean song, which crossed the border from Turkey to Israel, became monumental in Mizrahi music, and earned countless covers.

Kala is considered a massive star in his hometown of Jerusalem and is treated with royal respect there; thus, it is natural for him to unite with the orchestra identified with the city to open the 2026-27 season.

Maestro Tom Cohen: "I am so happy to open the season with Itzik Kala and thereby celebrate twice—both our season opening and the Jerusalem connection between us. Itzik is one of the great catalysts who enabled the integration of the Turkish Arabesque style in Israel and one of its prophets. It is a true pleasure to work on his repertoire, which is entirely connected to our city and culture, and to give these songs a place of honor in the local culture."

Itzik Kala: (73) was born in Jerusalem to a family of Kurdish descent and began his path in the world of cantorial music at the age of 10. Since then, he has released over 30 albums. In recent years, he battled cancer discovered in his throat just millimeters from his vocal cords. His doctors feared he would not be able to sing, but he defeated the illness and returned to the stage. Among other reasons, he did so to fulfill a promise to his late daughter Maayan, who passed away in October 2023 after battling cancer. He recently released the song 'Missing My Little Girl' (LeYaldati Mitga'age'a), dedicated to her memory and the memory of the victims of October 7.

Jerusalem East and West Orchestra: Established in 2009 by Maestro Tom Cohen, its artistic director and principal conductor. It connects Western classics and harmonies with Eastern maqams and quarter tones, featuring musicians of all religions and ethnicities. In 2022, it was selected by the Ministry of Culture to bear the title of 'Israel's Leading Orchestra.' Cohen, a graduate of the Jerusalem Academy of Music, writes all its arrangements, has conducted ensembles ranging from the Israel Philharmonic to the Algerian 'El Gusto' orchestra, and has established orchestras in a similar format in Montreal, Belgium, and Morocco.

For details on concert dates with Kala and for tickets:

https://tjo.co.il/concert/itzik-kala/

(Photo: Shai Franco)