The Mandolin, the Instrument of Rosh HaAyin

The Yemenite community is endowed with a highly developed musical sense, good hearing and a sense of rhythm. Members of this community have been shown to have a quick perception and a strong desire to progress and learn. Their love for music and playing is unrivaled.

It is precisely the mandolin, with its unique, delicate yet powerful sonic expressiveness, that gives the greatest musical expression to that natural talent.

It is precisely the mandolin, the original instrument for which the greatest composers of all time, such as Beethoven and Mozart, wrote... who recognized the uniqueness of the expression given by the mandolin - here entitled "Renaissance" - will be revived, in a special style in which "return to the origins" and innovative works are used in a mix.

International recognition

Wherever it has performed, the orchestra has won critical acclaim and audiences who have gone out of their way with enthusiasm. The orchestra played with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and performed during the performance of "Annie", appeared at Disney World in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, was broadcast live on television stations around the world, and was honored to represent and bring the word of Israel to Diaspora Jewry

"Thanks to your delightful performance, you were able to create warm human connections with everyone you came in contact with"

(Malka Ben-Yosef, Department of Cultural and Scientific Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Their music, the joy of youth, their commitment to Israel and their Jewish tradition, awakened feelings in us that had been dormant for a long time. Our community will never be what it was before the visit" (Jerry Melman, Director of the Jewish Center in Birmingham)

"Your orchestra's performance with us is the most profound Jewish experience we have ever had. The grace, beauty and talent you projected touched the hearts of the local Jews, much more than the most successful lecture of the most brilliant orator. Your music has a magic that is above and beyond the sounds of music. We will never forget them" (Rabbi Zvi Rosen, Rabbi of the Birmingham community)

Conductor

Benjamin Bilsky, born in Petah Tikva, Israel, a graduate of the Tel Aviv Music School and a member of the Israel Ensemble for Flute Instruments. His great devotion and attachment to the place, his talent, energy and high musical sensitivity - are what brought the orchestra to the artistic level it has reached. For his extensive musical activity in Rosh Ha-Ayin, and for his fruitful contribution to the life of the community there, Benjamin Bilsky received the Education Award from the President of the State, and the Arthur Rubinstein Award.