Congregation Emanu-El presents the season launch of the Cantors’ Concert Series on Saturday, December 7 at 7.30 p.m., presenting the San Francisco debut of POLYPHONY, the renowned and highly innovative classical and contemporary music ensemble originating from Nazareth, Israel. J. The Jewish News Editor-in-Chief Chanan Tigay will lead a Post-Performance Discussion with Polyphony Founder, Nabeel Abboud Ashkar. This is a not-to-be-missed event.
Founded in 2006 by the distinguished musician and educator, Nabeel Abboud Ashkar, Polyphony brings
together Arab and Jewish communities through a unique blend of baroque, classical, and contemporary works that reflect the rich musical traditions of both cultures. The concert program for December 7, titled “Bridging the Divide Between Arab and Jewish Communities in Israel Through Music,” will present a harmonious repertoire that showcases both Western classical music and the Arabic and Israeli musical influences that define the ensemble’s innovative approach.
This takes place at the Congregation Emanu-El Main Sanctuary, Two Lake Street, San Francisco. Tickets are popularly priced at $36 and are available online
Polyphony Founder, Nabeel Abboud Ashkar generously agreed to answer questions for Splash Magazines Worldwide as follows:
In 2006, when you founded POLYPHONY, what was your inspiration, what were your goals?
In 2006 we founded the first classical (western) music conservatory in Nazareth, my home town and the largest Arab city in Israel. Based on the success of the conservatory, Polyphony was founded in 2012. Founding the conservatory was supported by Daniel Barenboim and his foundation the Barenboim-Said Foundation. The goal at that point was to provide for the first-time world-class music training for young Arab children, to develop the classical music scene in Nazareth and raise awareness and appreciation among the Arab community in Israel to the beauty and value of this genre.
Growing up in Nazareth, my parents had to take me on weekly basis to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other major cities in Israel to pursue my musical training. I also felt often out of place, being one of very few young people that cared about classical music and was passionate about it. My inspiration was to provide learning opportunities for talented young Arab children in their own hometown and gradually build a community that appreciates classical music.
In 2012, based on the unprecedented success, we founded Polyphony.
How did you select the name?
We wanted it to have a connection to the musical world, which in our view is a great metaphor for how society could and should function. Polyphony is multiple voices that are both independent and harmonized. Which is a metaphor for how diversity becomes an advantage and added value.
Why did you feel that music could bring divided people together?
Because I saw the impact it had on me personally. I saw how it provided me with opportunities and tools to connect with others and be part of a much larger and international community.
Did you have any models as you created this?
I was one of the first members to join the West-Eastern-Diwan Orchestra. This planted the seed in my head and heart.
What are the most significant changes you have seen over the years?
The meaningful changes are many. One thing that is very important is that our programs are most impactful and lead to a major transformation among young students (15-18 years old). Our multitiered program involves children, young musicians, professional musicians and various audiences. The highlight of this program is our chamber music and leadership program that brings an equal number of Arab and Jewish highly talented students together. To see the process and transformation that they go through is highly encouraging and rewarding.
How do you choose the music you perform?
Our ensembles vary in size and level, depending on the venue, occasion and setting. We try to match the repertoire to the occasion and the ensemble. This could include a Beethoven symphony or a Mozart string quartet. Occasionally, we experiment with engaging a non-classical artist and try to bring expression to the various cultures through such collaboration.
Is there anything you would like our readers to know about POLYPHONY
Polyphony is a unique and groundbreaking program that enhances the contribution of music and education to bettering society. Its model has proven to be valuable to the Arab and Jewish communities in Israel. The bonds and partnerships we have created over the last 15 years have withstood the shocks and challenges that the ongoing war has brought. While we are facing forces that are far beyond our abilities to counterbalance, what we do has provided hope and the opportunity for our community to safeguard the values that we strongly believe in.
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