Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival

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Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival is a biannual music festival held in the village of Abu Ghosh, located in the Jerusalem District of Israel. The festival is renowned for its focus on vocal music, featuring performances by choirs, vocal ensembles, and soloists from Israel and around the world.

History

The Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival was established in 1992 by Mina Tannenbaum and Eli Meiri. The festival was created to celebrate and promote vocal music in a unique and picturesque setting. The village of Abu Ghosh, known for its historical and cultural significance, provides an ideal backdrop for the festival's performances.

Venues

The festival's concerts are held in two primary venues:

• The Crusader Church (also known as the Church of the Resurrection), a 12th-century church with excellent acoustics.
• The Kiryat Ye'arim Church, located on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Performances

The Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival features a diverse range of vocal music, including:

• Classical music
• Sacred music
• Folk music
• Contemporary music

The festival often includes performances of major choral works, such as Bach's Mass in B minor, Mozart's Requiem, and Verdi's Messa da Requiem.

Participants

The festival attracts a wide array of participants, including:

• Local and international choirs
• Vocal ensembles
• Soloists
• Conductors

Notable participants have included the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and renowned conductors such as Zubin Mehta and Daniel Barenboim.

Cultural Significance

The Abu Ghosh Vocal Music Festival is an important cultural event in Israel, drawing music lovers from across the country and abroad. It provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents and contributes to the cultural richness of the region.

See Also

• Music festivals in Israel
• Vocal music
• Abu Ghosh