Monday Meetup | History of Music, Beit Guvrin

Beit Guvrin

“The History of Israeli Music”

Led by Hagai Barkat

A 12-session workshop about the history of Israeli music, from the early days of the state to the present.

Throughout the sessions, we will embark on a musical and historical journey through the songs, creators, bands, and events that have shaped Israeli culture over the years.

We will examine how Israeli music changed alongside developments in society and the state, and encounter styles, periods, and figures that have become an inseparable part of the Israeli soundtrack.

Series of Sessions: “Songs That Made a State – The History of Israeli Music”

About the Series

The series is intended for longtime residents of the council and combines content, stories, and memories with active listening, viewing video clips, and audience participation.

Session Format

Each session lasts approximately one hour and includes a combination of:

• A lecture and historical-musical storytelling.
• A presentation and video clips.
• Playback of selected songs and musical excerpts.
• Stories and anecdotes behind the songs and creators.
• Conversation with participants and sharing personal memories.
• In suitable sessions, and according to the audience’s wishes—possibility of incorporating communal singing and trivia quizzes.

The emphasis is on a lively, accessible, and enjoyable encounter, allowing participants not only to listen passively, but also to take an active part and ask questions, reminisce, sing, identify, and share.

Topics in the Series

The final division among the sessions will be determined according to the group’s pace and interests, but the series will address, among other things, the following topics:

• “We Came to the Land” – The beginnings of Hebrew song before the establishment of the state.
• “They Say It Was Happy Here” – Songs of the homeland and the soundtrack of Israel’s early years.
• “Carnival in the Nahal” – The military bands take command.
• “Why Should I Take It to Heart?” – Arik Einstein, Shalom Hanoch, and the musical revolution of the late 1960s.
• “I Gave Her My Life” – Kaveret, HaGashash HaHiver, and Israeli humor in song and music.
• “White Days” – Songs by poets, a phenomenon unique to Israel.
• “A Little Differently” – The flower children conquer Nuweiba.
• “The Flower in My Garden” – Mediterranean music moves from the margins to the center of Israeli culture.
• “Give Me Rock ’n’ Roll” – Tislam, Shlomo Artzi, and Yehudit Ravitz fill stadiums in the 1980s.
• “A Sea of Tears” – Galgalatz and reality shows take over the hit parades.
• Incorporation of communal singing and trivia according to demand and the nature of the session.

Workshop fee: NIS 240 for all 12 sessions.