Vol. 19, No. 30 |
May 10, 2000 |
Percussion ensemble performs for Israeli audiences
 UD's Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band members took their special brand of music on a road tour in Israel, delighting audiences from Kar in the north to Wilot in the south. The 11 member ensemble, directed by Harvey Price, music, consisted of UD students, two alumni, two faculty members and two professional musicians.During the nine-day tour, the ensemble held two percussion workshops and performed six concerts throughout the country. Highlights included performing the Israeli premiere of George Antheil's 1926 composition, Ballet Mechanique, at the International Biennial Festival for Contemporary Music in Tel Aviv and performing at the All Israeli Percussion Festival of Arad, where they also conducted workshops. The ensemble performed with internationally acclaimed Israeli percussionist Chen Zimbalista and gave concerts in several towns. The tour was one of the first musical exchanges to occur between Israel and Delaware. Groundwork for the cultural exchange began during Gov. Thomas R. Carper's cultural/ trade mission to Israel in 1999. A member of the mission, Price met with musicians and music educators from Tel Aviv Academy, the Jerusalem Academy and the Arad Conservatory of Music. As a result, the Percussion Ensemble received invitations to perform in Israel. The opportunity to interact with Israelis, both musically and socially, was an enriching experience. "We take it for granted that we can cross international borders and think nothing of it, Kristen Sobanski, AS 2001, said. "But, in Israel you could feel the tension at the borders near Lebanon and Syria." "The impact this trip had on my students and myself was extensive." Price said. "Educationally, the University students saw a part of the world that is in the news constantly and came away with a better understanding of a major geo-political situation." The trip also brought Delaware and the University to the attention of almost 2,000 people, Price said. There are plans for Israeli musicians to come and study at the University and also to have high school student exchanges.
|
"This trip was the first outcome of the newly forged relationship, and hopefully ongoing musical and cultural exchanges between Delaware and Israel will continue in the future," Price said.