Role

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Composer

Birth

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1939

 

Avraham Amzallag was a classical music composer born on December 25, 1950, in Casablanca, Morocco. He was the youngest of six children in a family that valued education and music. His father was a cantor in the local synagogue, and his mother was a homemaker who loved to sing and play the piano. From a young age, Amzallag showed a natural talent for music, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion. Amzallag began his formal music education at the age of six, studying piano and music theory with local teachers. He quickly progressed and was soon performing in public concerts and competitions. In 1963, his family immigrated to Israel, where he continued his music studies at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. There, he studied composition with renowned Israeli composer Mark Kopytman and piano with Yaffa Yarkoni. After completing his studies, Amzallag began his career as a composer, pianist, and conductor. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style, which blended traditional Jewish melodies with classical music forms. His works were performed by leading orchestras and ensembles in Israel and abroad, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. One of Amzallag's most significant works is his oratorio "Shirat Hayam" (Song of the Sea), which was commissioned by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 1995. The piece tells the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their crossing of the Red Sea, as described in the biblical book of Exodus. The work features a large choir, soloists, and orchestra, and incorporates traditional Jewish melodies and rhythms. It has been performed in Israel and abroad, including at the Vatican in 2000. Another notable work by Amzallag is his "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra," which was premiered by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 1985. The piece showcases Amzallag's virtuosic piano skills and his ability to blend classical and Jewish musical traditions. The concerto has been performed by leading pianists and orchestras around the world, including the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. In addition to his compositions, Amzallag was also a respected conductor and pianist. He served as the music director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2003 and conducted numerous orchestras and ensembles in Israel and abroad. He was also a sought-after pianist, performing solo and chamber music concerts throughout his career. Amzallag's contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Israel Prize for Music in 2010, the country's highest honor for artists and scholars. He was also a recipient of the ACUM Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Music and the Jerusalem Prize for Music. Amzallag passed away on December 31, 2019, at the age of 69. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and admired by musicians and audiences around the world. His unique blend of classical and Jewish musical traditions has inspired a new generation of composers and performers, and his contributions to music will be remembered for years to come.

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