The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra (Hebrew: התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית Arabic: الأوركسترا الإسرائيلية الأندلسية) or Mediterranean Orchestra is an award-winning Israeli orchestra based in Ashdod, Israel founded in 1994. The orchestra is composed of around 50 musicians and lyricists mainly of Moroccon and Russian origin and features traditionel Sephardic Jewish-Arab and Andalusian music and poetry, combining classical Arab-Andalusian and European instruments. The orchestra's artistic director and head conductor is Tom Cohen.
Since its establishment, the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra, which is financed by the Ashdod municipality and the Culture Ministry, has become an Israeli musical and cultural icon, touring in Israel, the United States,[1] and European countries.[2]
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A first project to honor the heritage of immigrants from the Magreb which was to become the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra, was formed in Ashdod in December 1987, as a joint initiative of the liturgical singer and classical conductor Moti Malka and then-mayor Arieh Azulay,[2] both of Moroccon origin.[3]
In 2009, the orchestra's affairs were marred by a labor-dispute that resulted in firing of all its musicians and suspension of its operations.[4] After the dismissed performers had declared their independence, claimed ownership of their work place, and in effect dismissed the management,[5] their struggle for government recognition and public funding met with success in February 2010, when the Israeli Ministry of Culture granted the orchestra recognition.[6]
In October 2011 the orchestra bowed to pressure from religious subscribers and removed a concert from its subscription series featuring female singer Francoise Atlan.[7] According to Haaretz, some concertgoers threatened to cancel their subscriptions if the concert was not removed from the series.[8]
In 2006, the orchestra was awarded the Israel Prize, for its lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.[9]