Interweaving is the theme of the Zimriya, which will take place from August 18 – 21, 2019, reflecting the collaboration of Jewish and Arab choirs, performing in this year’s program, separately, and together, sharing the stage in concert. On opening night, David Broza and the Galilee Chamber Orchestra conducted by Nabeel Abboud Ashkar, will perform in a festive concert. All concerts and festival events will take place in the unique historic venue of the Crusader Halls in the Old City of Akko.
For the first time in the Zimriya’s history, choirs from Nazareth , Shfaram, Jaffa, Petach Tikva, Rehovot, Pardes Hanna, and Nof Hagalil (upper Nazareth) will perform at the festival in this project of collaboration. Evening concerts are a highlight of the festival with Ahinoam Nini and Mira Awad on August 19th, as well as Dikla performing with the Voices of Peace Choir, led by Yair Dalal on August 20th. The festival’s closing concert will take place on August 21st with singer Leena Makhoul performing together with the CGV (Common Ground Voices) Choir led by André de Quadros. The CGV includes 24 Israeli Jewish and Arab singers, and was founded by the International Center for Choral Singing by the well- known Swedish conductor Eric Ericson.
Festival events begin daily at noon and include: concerts, master classes, workshops, community singing and other enrichment activities. Artists and producers leading events include Conductor André de Quadros; Prof. Oded Zehavi; musician, composer and oud player Yair Dalal; the musician and conductor Nizar- el-Khater, Conductor Jeanne Rabin; Neomi Faran; and Anat Dor.
Free, outdoor concerts will take place every evening in the Bustan Amphitheater, which was restored two years ago and has a view of the sea. Jewish and Arab ensembles will perform in concerts managed and produced by Ziwar Bahlul, taking place from 19:30 to 22:00.
Zimriya, the World Assembly of Choirs in Israel, was founded in 1952 by Aharon Zvi Propes, who also founded The Israel Festival, and the International Harp Contest. The Zimriya is produced by the Harp and Zamir Society.
Ticket prices range from 50 NIS/40 NIS (Akko residents and others eligible for discounts) for general events, to 95 NIS/70 NIS for evening concerts. Tickets may be ordered from Eventim or call: *9066.
