Bach Meets Shabazi

Additional Details about the Roots Festival 2026

Five days of diverse creation from the roots of Israeli society: Bach meets Shabazi. A groundbreaking gala premiere performance combining East and West, from Baroque Europe to poetic Yemen!

The Israeli Plucked String Orchestra, in collaboration with Yama Yemen Ensemble and vocalist Zion Golan, in an original production for the Roots Festival, invites you to a musical journey across worlds, cultures, and times, combining traditional Yemeni music with the classics of Johann Sebastian Bach. Shalom Shabazi and Bach, two spiritual giants—separated by thousands of kilometers, but their creations continue to resonate timelessly. In an exciting show, classical mandolin sounds will meet Eastern rhythms with traditional Yemeni music in contemporary arrangements by Gilad Ephrat, giving new life to ancient heritage.

Special Guest: Zion Golan – one of the great voices of Yemeni music.

Yama Yemen Ensemble:

• Talia G. Solan – Vocals and Artistic Direction
• Moran Al Yemania – Vocals
• Michal Zendani – Vocals
• Ariel Smith – Percussion

Conductor of the Orchestra: Prof. Boaz Ben Moshe
Orchestra Manager: Raziel Mahatzri
Yama Yemen Manager: Dorit Atzlan – Dorit Productions
Guest Artists:

• Wind Instruments: Il Sela
• Cello: Hila Epstein

Arrangements: Gilad Ephrat and Prof. Boaz Ben Moshe
Initiative: Raziel Mahatzri and Dorit Atzlan
Sponsored by Aaleh Betamar Association - In the presence of Association Chair Dr. Rachel Yedid

Venue: Taboori Hall of Culture, 5 HaMaccabim Street

Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports

We recommend arriving early! At 9:00 AM, there will be a warm-up performance in the hall's lobby. Entrance is free.

Harp Magic with David Carlsberg
International harpist David Carlsberg will perform an exciting show of works and songs written specifically for the Paraguayan harp.