Avi Avital with Omer Avital CHRISTIE GOODWIN CHRISTIE

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Please turn off all electronic Photography and audio/video recording devices before entering the in the performance hall are prohibited. performance hall. Avi Avital with Omer Avital CHRISTIE GOODWIN CHRISTIE

DEPARTMENT OF These performances are made possible in part by: PERFORMING ARTS, MUSIC, The P. J. McMyler Musical Endowment Fund AND FILM The Ernest L. and Louise M. Gartner Fund The Cleveland Museum of Art The Anton and Rose Zverina Music Fund 11150 East Boulevard The Frank and Margaret Hyncik Memorial Fund Cleveland, Ohio 44106–1797 The Adolph Benedict and Ila Roberts Schneider Fund The Arthur, Asenath, and Walter H. Blodgett Memorial Fund [email protected] The Dorothy Humel Hovorka Endowment Fund cma.org/performingarts The Albertha T. Jennings Musical Arts Fund #CMAperformingarts

Programs are subject to change.

Series sponsors:

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 TICKETS 1–888–CMA–0033 cma.org/performingarts Welcome to the AviPerforming Avital Artswith 2018–19 Omer Avital Cleveland Museum of Art Wednesday,cma.org/performingarts April 10, 2019, 7:30 p.m. In the season ahead, the museum’s performing arts series Gartner#CMAperformingarts Auditorium, the Cleveland Museum of Art continues its exciting schedule with a range of artists from traditions far and wide, old and new. This year, a major Chamber Music in the Galleries Henry Threadgill Wednesday, October 3, 6:00 Friday, January 11, 7:30 commissioning program brings six internationally respected composers to Cleveland from around the globe to create ENSEMBLEVox Luminis Chamber Music in the Galleries new works inspired by the museum’s collection. Co- Wednesday, October 24, 7:30 Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 sponsored by the Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion AviChamber Avital, Music mandolin in the Galleries CIM Organ Studio Wednesday, November 7, 6:00 Sunday, March 3, 2:00 program, the series of world premieres extends into 2020. Omer Avital, bass / oud Oberlin Contemporary Chamber Music in the Galleries In the Galleries YonathanMusic Ensemble Avishai, piano Wednesday, March 6, 6:00 Sunday, November 11, 2:00 Shinto: Discovery of the Divine in Japanese Art Carolin Widmann ItamarChamber Doari, Music percussion in the Galleries Friday, March 29, 7:30 Through June 30 Wednesday, December 5, 6:00 Emmanuel Culcasi Raúl de Nieves: Fina Paul Goussot Sunday, March 31, 2:00 Through April 28 at Transformer Station Sunday, December 9, 2:00 Chamber Music in the Galleries Charles Burchfield: The Ohio Landscapes, 1915–1920 Wednesday, April 3, 6:00 Through May 5 PROGRAM Avi Avital with Omer Avital Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 Renée Green: Partially Buried Through May 19 Chamber Music in the Galleries Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 Beyond Truth: Photography after the Shutter This evening’s program is presented without intermission and Cenk Ergün Through May 26 will be announced from the stage. It featuresWednesday, selections May 8, 7:30from the Deutsche Grammophon recording Avital Meets Avital Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940–1950 Through June 9 Color and Comfort: Swedish Modern Design Through February 9, 2020

This performance sponsored with support from the Stanley I. and Honnie R. Busch Memorial Endowment and the Jewish Please turn off all electronic devices before entering Federation’s Cleveland Israel Arts Connection. the performance hall.

Photography and audio/video recording in the performance hall are prohibited. a program of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland PROGRAM NOTES The initial work on this album originated in 2012, when Avi Avital was invited by the Bremen Musikfest to put on a “The music on this album tells the story of a special bond: the “surprise concert,” with the sole requirement that he stage encounter of two musicians with divergent artistic paths but something completely new. “I immediately thought of Omer a similar family history. It is a musical conversation about the for this project, though I could scarcely imagine what a musical sounds and meanings of home, about memory, and about collaboration between us would sound like,” says Avi. “Our freedom.” —Avi Avital first week of rehearsals and jamming in New York was, for me, nothing short of a revelation. Omer had already integrated Avital Meets Avital is the exhilarating and stylistically diverse materials from his cultural heritage into his work, but it was testament of the meeting of two musicians—a classical the first time I’d experienced that. I was given the freedom and mandolinist and a jazz bassist—who share not only a last name the conducive environment to devote myself to improvisation, but the family history that comes with it. In this album they composition and the exploration of non-classical and Moroccan unearth that history and infuse it with sound. music. Those long-forgotten sounds flooded me with strong feelings of nostalgia and familiarity.” Classically trained virtuoso Avi Avital and acclaimed jazz performer and composer Omer Avital grew up in the melting In exploring their multifaceted identities and distinct pot of 1980s Israel, and are both of Moroccan ancestry. Their musical backgrounds, Avi Avital and Omer Avital pour richly shared last name is a marker of Jewish Moroccan families who contrasting sounds into pieces that simultaneously merge and changed the Moroccan name “Abutbul” to the more Hebrew- transcend their musical traditions. In Zamzama and Hijazain the sounding “Avital” when they immigrated to Israel, a move that Arabic maqamat (modes) emerge in full force. Ana Maghrebi is perhaps symbolic of the will to assimilate. For many years (“I am Moroccan”) pays tribute to Andalusian music, and Maroc Avi Avital and Omer Avital devoted themselves mainly to is based on the most typical Moroccan rhythm produced by the Western repertoire: one to classical, the other to jazz. As the krakebs (large castanet-like instruments made of iron). Yet their international careers took off, one moved to Berlin and the ballads on the album—Lonely Girl and Ballad for Eli—are far the other to New York. But in the musical encounter that led more classical in outlook, and Avi’s Song takes inspiration from to Avital Meets Avital, they were reunited across continents Balkan music, using an 11/8 rhythm as a basis. The final piece, and genres by their shared heritage. From the intersection of The Source and the Sea by Israeli-Polish composer Moshe Moroccan beats, Israeli harmonies, a classical sensibility and Vilenski, pays homage to the musicians’ parents’ generation, the improvisational freedom of jazz, an intimate reflection and its own experimentation with creating a new musical emerged on their shared roots and different journeys. language that reflects a blend of cultural influences. The instrumental pieces that were spun from the dialogue Transcending genres and decades, Avital Meets Avital between the Avitals, most of which were specifically composed takes us on a journey through longing, reminiscence, and sheer for this album, reflect in myriad ways the intensity and exuberant joy. The two musicians’ chamber-like interaction, emotion of their quest to find “home”. And yet both musicians enriched by the contributions of jazz pianist Yonathan Avishai courageously abandon familiar terrain. Avi Avital, who has and percussion artist Itamar Doari, gives rise to a vibrant and spent most of his life deepening the classical repertoire for the revealing conversation that renders existential and heartfelt mandolin, uses the album to expand his musical horizons and yearning immediately tangible. The striking mosaic of shades to rediscover sounds and colours that shimmer from his past. and moods tells a story of self-discovery that is as intimately Omer Avital likewise ventures beyond his customary world, personal as it is universal. exploring paths beyond jazz by embracing classical themes Program notes courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon and forms. 4 5 ABOUT THE ARTISTS orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Deutsche Symphonie Orchester Berlin, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Avi Avital Tonhalle Zurich, Israel Philharmonic, Dresden Phiharmonic, and Tasmania Symphony Orchestra, under conductors such as The first mandolin soloist to be nominated for a classical Zubin Mehta, Kent Nagano, Osmo Vänskä, Ton Koopman, and Grammy, Avi Avital has been compared to Andres Segovia for Giovanni Antonini. Performances have taken him to Beijing’s his championship of his instrument and to Jascha Heifitz for his National Centre for the Performing Arts, London’s Wigmore incredible virtuosity. Passionate and “explosively charismatic” and Royal Albert Halls, Berlin Philharmonie, Zurich’s Tonhalle, (New York Times) in live performance, he is a driving force Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Catalana, Paris Philharmonie, behind the reinvigoration of the mandolin repertory. More than Vienna Konzerthaus, New York’s Carnegie Hall, and Palais de 100 contemporary compositions have been written for him, Versailles with a live telecast on TV Arte. 15 of them concertos including by Anna Clyne, Avner Dorman and Giovanni Sollima which will be premiered in 2019/20. He is a favorite on the international festival circuit having Enhanced by his infectious spirit of adventure and the warm appeared at the Aspen, Salzburg, Tanglewood, Spoleto, rapport he fosters with his audience, Avital’s championship of Ravenna, Cheltenham, and Verbier Festivals, amongst others, his instrument is taking the mandolin center stage. and he was Portrait Artist at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival in 2017 which involved over 20 performances of 10 An exclusive Deutsche Grammophon artist, he has made four different programs. Artistic partners in a variety of genres recordings for the label. Recently released Avital meets Avital with whom he collaborates include Andreas Scholl, Juan (2017) with oud/bassist, Omer Avital, explores their shared Diego Flórez, Dawn Upshaw, Giora Feidman, Ray Chen, David cultural heritage and brings their differing classical and jazz Greilsammer, Richard Galliano, Ksenija Sidorova, percussionist musical backgrounds into dialogue. Earlier releases featured Itamar Doari, and the Dover and Danish String Quartets. He original concerti and transcriptions by Vivaldi (2015) his own was featured artist in a Zeitsinsel at the Dortmund Konzerthaus Bach concerto transcriptions (2012) and Between Worlds where he curated a weekend of programs featuring classical, (2014), a cross-generic chamber collection exploring the nexus jazz, and improvisations and a new collaboration with the between classical and traditional music. Venice Baroque Orchestra and Georgian puppet theatre, In 2018/19, Avital returns to Carnegie Hall to make his debut Budrugana Gagra. on the main stage with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Born in Be’er Sheva in southern Israel, Avital began learning Highlights of that season in the US also include play-directing the mandolin at the age of eight and soon joined the the Seattle Symphony, and performances with the Detroit flourishing mandolin youth orchestra founded and directed Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Los Angeles Chamber by his charismatic teacher, Russian-born violinist Simcha Orchestra. He also returns to Canada to perform with Les Nathanson. He later graduated from the Jerusalem Music Violons du Roy, ahead of a North American tour in the Academy and the Conservatorio Cesare Pollini in Padua, following season. In the Spring of 2019, following on from his Italy, where he studied original mandolin repertoire with most recent Deutsche Grammophon recording, Avital tours Ugo Orlandi. Winner of Israel’s prestigious Aviv Competition North America with bassist Omer Avital. Recent appearances in in 2007, Avital is the first mandolinist in the history of the the US also include performances with the St. Louis Symphony, competition to be so honored. He plays on a mandolin made Los Angeles Philharmonic, Montreal Symphony, and Chicago by Israeli luthier Arik Kerman. Symphony. Instrument: Arik Kerman (1998) Avital’s inspired music-making has electrified audiences in Strings: Thomastik-Infeld (154, Medium) 6 performances around the world. He has performed with 7 Omer Avital Yonathan, was born and grew up in Israel. He began studying the piano at a young age and discovered in his early teens Bassist and composer Omer Avital is one of today’s most jazz. Already at the age of 14 he formed his own groups and striking musicians. Praised by critics as, “extraordinary” performed at clubs and festivals in his country. He often (New York Times), “roaringly inventive” (JAZZIZ), “a pioneer accompanied touring American musicians in Israel (Walter in combining jazz with myriad world music elements” (LA Blanding Jr., Marcus Printup, Allan Harris) and was part of Times) and, “one of the most exciting musicians to come Arnie Lawrence’s ensemble . onto the jazz scene in the last 20 years” (DownBeat), Omer Avital is a visionary composer and virtuoso musician whose He was a member of “The Left Bank,” a cooperative association genre-defying ensembles are pushing the boundaries of jazz of musicians formed to promote original music in Tel Aviv. expression and providing audiences with swing and spiritual This experience led to an involvement with the social and sustenance in equal measure. local aspects of cultural development. Yonathan took part in organizing musical events in various facilities in the city. As a Among the many talented Israeli musicians who have result of these activities, in 2001, he arrived at a socio-cultural appeared on the world jazz scene in recent years, Avital stands center in Alsace (France) as a part of an European exchange out from the rest. He is not part of this wave but rather one of program. those who initiated it—Omer Avital is a pioneer. The musician, who has lived in New York since 1992, is partly responsible In 2002 he moved to Dordogne (France) and got involved in for putting his native country on the jazz map. Critics from the local cultural scene. He studied musicotherapie in Bordeaux Downbeat and the New York Times have high praise for the (Atelier de Musicothérapie de Bordeaux). Subsequently, he led classically trained virtuoso bass player; he has even been called workshops in facilities for special education, primary schools, the Israeli Charles Mingus. music schools and developed a true passion for teaching and pedagogy. That same year he formed Third World Love— a Avital is a visionary who combines music from his cultural quartet with Omer Avital, Avishai Cohen, and Daniel Freedman. background with modern Western jazz. This makes for an The group recorded five albums and performed the world over. atmospheric sound with contagious Middle-Eastern grooves, In 2006 Yonathan recorded the album Soledad (Fresh Sound subtle jazz melodies, and orchestral arrangements of Sephardic Records) with the percussionist Bachir Mouhali. In 2008, in compositions. collaboration with director Sharon Mohar, Yonathan explored With his new album, Abutbul Music (recorded in Paris and the field of music and theater. As a result, the “Compagnie released on the Jazz Village records label), Avital delivers L’air du jeu” (The Playground Company) came into existence once again a strong statement with a powerful sound, joyful and, in 2010, produced a show for kids entitled “Il était une rhythms and oriental melodies that draw on gospel and soul. fois un gribouille.” In 2010, Yonathan and drummer Bertrand Avital is continually evolving contemporary jazz, rightly been Noël formed a duo and recorded a CD called Lost Boys (Cristal called one of the most unique musicians of his generation. Records). In 2012, Yonathan moved to Yonne (France). He has recently created a new project called “Modern Times” with Yonathan Avishai bassist Yoni Zelnik and drummer Donald Kontomanou. Based in France, pianist Yonathan Avishai is without doubt Inspired by artists such as John Lewis, Art Ensemble of one of the major figures of the emerging Israeli jazz scene. Chicago, and Mark Rothko—between tradition and modernity— Whether through a concert, in the theater or in a workshop, Yonathan strives to deepen the dimensions of his music. this unique musician, shares his passion for sound, music, and Packing each note with a dramatic charge. He creates a its history. poetic world rich in emotion and color. His compositions are 8 restrained, subtle, and feature great refinement. 9 ItamarWelcome Doari to the Performing Arts 2018–19 ItamarCleveland was born in Israel Museum 1985. He ofbegan Art his musical training cma.org/performingarts whenIn he the was season only ahead, six years the old,museum’s playing performing traditional arts percussion series #CMAperformingarts instrumentscontinues such its exciting as frame schedule drums, withdarbuka, a range riq, of and artists more. from Throughtraditions the years far and he wide,has had old theand honor new. This to learn year, froma major some Chamber Music in the Galleries Henry Threadgill Wednesday, October 3, 6:00 Friday, January 11, 7:30 of thecommissioning greatest music program teachers brings in hand-drums six internationally and percussionrespected fromcomposers Israel and toabroad, Cleveland including from around Zohar Fresco,the globe Glen to createVallez, Vox Luminis Chamber Music in the Galleries Wednesday, October 24, 7:30 Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 Sallemnew Darwish, works inspired and Ahmed by the Taher. museum’s collection. Co- sponsored by the Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion Chamber Music in the Galleries CIM Organ Studio Itamarprogram, graduated the series from ofKlor world Music premieres School withextends honors into 2020.in Wednesday, November 7, 6:00 Sunday, March 3, 2:00 2003. When he was just seventeen years old, already he was Oberlin Contemporary Chamber Music in the Galleries playingIn andthe touring Galleries around the world with a few of the more Music Ensemble Wednesday, March 6, 6:00 Sunday, November 11, 2:00 successfulShinto: musicians Discovery ofknown the Divine in Israel. in Japanese Playing onArt some of the Carolin Widmann Chamber Music in the Galleries Friday, March 29, 7:30 mostThrough well-known June stages30 and festivals in Israel and around the Wednesday, December 5, 6:00 world, Itamar has become a strong force in the world-wide Emmanuel Culcasi Raúl de Nieves: Fina Sunday, March 31, 2:00 percussion scene, making his unique way and sound and Paul Goussot Through April 28 at Transformer Station Sunday, December 9, 2:00 reaching big audiences around the world. He does so, playing Chamber Music in the Galleries Wednesday, April 3, 6:00 differentCharles percussion Burchfield: instruments The Ohio Landscapes,and collaborating 1915–1920 with artists fromThrough different May styles 5 and origins world-wide. Itamar is a winner Avi Avital with Omer Avital Wednesday, April 10, 7:30 of theRenée America-Israel Green: Partially Foundation Buried scholarship for 2009/2010 Through May 19 Chamber Music in the Galleries Recent projects include three years of touring with Avishai Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 Beyond Truth: Photography after the Shutter Cohen, as well as recording three albums together—their Cenk Ergün Through May 26 latest album Seven Seas, which Itamar also co-produced, was Wednesday, May 8, 7:30 nominatedGordon for Parks: the TheFrench New Grammy Tide, Early award Work and 1940–1950 listed as top on playlistsThrough in June France, 9 Germany, Sweden, and Spain. Itamar is a memberColor and in Comfort: the band Swedish Yemen Modern Blues, aDesign new and unique collaborativeThrough Februaryproject in 9, which 2020 musicians from New York and UPCOMING PERFORMANCE Israel perform worldwide all year long . Itamar is also a partner Cenk Ergün Wed/May 8, 7:30, Ames Family Atrium. The second in a in the latest international tour of Berry Sakharof, one of the series of compositions commissioned by the Cleveland Museum of greatest Israeli living legends. Their album You Are Here was Art in partnership with the Cleveland Foundation, Formare is scored named “best album of the year” in Israel in 2011. Itamar also for female choir, children’s choir, harpsichords and trombones. More tookPlease part in turn the off albums all electronic of Idan Raichel devices Project, before entering another band than two dozen musicians are dispersed throughout the Atrium to winthe the performance “best album” hall. and “best group performance of the and the audience is encouraged to move through the space at their year” in Israel. Among the other artists with whom Itamar leisure. This world premiere performance features a coming together collaboratesPhotography in performances and audio/video and recordingsrecording in are the Yasmin Levy, of several notable musicians and ensembles of Northeast Ohio, Shemperformance Tov Levi, Fools hall are of Prophecy,prohibited Sheva,. Ahuva Ozeri, Omar including the Cleveland Chamber Choir (under the direction of Scott Faruk Tkhbilak, Samir Makhull, Amal Murkus, Avshalom Farjun, MacPherson); the Cleveland Institute of Music Children’s Choir (under and Shai Ben Tzur. Jennifer Call); harpsichordists Peter Bennett, Michael Quinn, and QinYing Tan; and trombonists Lee Allen, Evelyn Proffit, Katie Lambert, and Zoe Cutler. A Cleveland Foundation Creative Fusion commission. 10 Free; no ticket required. Please turn off all electronic Photography and audio/video recording devices before entering the in the performance hall are prohibited. performance hall. Avi Avital with Omer Avital CHRISTIE GOODWIN CHRISTIE

Programs are subject to change.

Series sponsors:

Wednesday, April 10, 2019 TICKETS 1–888–CMA–0033 cma.org/performingarts