INTERFAITH ACADEMY OF MUSIC & ART
The Interfaith Academy of Music and Art or the IAMA, is committed to creating a unique place where the study, performance and teaching of the ancient, authentic folk and classical music of the Middle East is recognized as having an important role in Israeli culture.
There is currently no government funding for the integration of music and culture between the four largest religions in Israel: Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze. Actual interactions between any of these is quire rare, yet, when it does happen, the resulting communication leads to a greater understanding of each other’s culture.
The founders of the IAMA are among the finest performers, teachers and leaders in their communities. As musicians, artists, teachers and spiritual leaders they are combining their many years of commitment to their art and their communities to create a school that will nurture and promote the vision and philosophy of the IAMA.
The location of the IAMA reflects the variety of religions and cultures that are unique to the Galilee. This ancient city of Yodefat is nestled in an area surrounded by towns and villages where people have lived for hundreds and thousands of years. The academy overlooks the valley forming the center of this region. The IAMA Founders comprise some of the most respected musicians, artists, and teachers representing various Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Eastern European, Central Asian cultures and religions. This includes, folk and classical traditions and all religious aspects of peace, understanding and coexistence.
There is currently no government funding for the integration of music and culture between the four largest religions in Israel: Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze. Actual interactions between any of these is quire rare, yet, when it does happen, the resulting communication leads to a greater understanding of each other’s culture.
The founders of the IAMA are among the finest performers, teachers and leaders in their communities. As musicians, artists, teachers and spiritual leaders they are combining their many years of commitment to their art and their communities to create a school that will nurture and promote the vision and philosophy of the IAMA.
The location of the IAMA reflects the variety of religions and cultures that are unique to the Galilee. This ancient city of Yodefat is nestled in an area surrounded by towns and villages where people have lived for hundreds and thousands of years. The academy overlooks the valley forming the center of this region. The IAMA Founders comprise some of the most respected musicians, artists, and teachers representing various Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Eastern European, Central Asian cultures and religions. This includes, folk and classical traditions and all religious aspects of peace, understanding and coexistence.
- Piris Eliyahu, Ph.D: Artistic Manager and Director - Master teacher and performer of Persian Music and Composition. Video documentary of Piris.
- Yohai Barak: Artistic Manager and Director - Teacher of Saz and Baglama (Turkish stringed instruments), Creator of Diwan Saz. Musical director of the annual Saz Festival in Yodefat.
- Bard Rabbi David Menachem: Liturgical Piyute singer, musician and composer
- Mark Eliyahu: Internationally known kamanche (Turkish/Persian violin) performer.
- Eyal Luman: Master percussionist, recording engineer and teacher/performer of kanun, tabla, frame drum, all percussion.
- Amir Shahsar: Master performer/teacher Persian flute, Turkish clarinet, Persian vocals.
- Shye Ben Tzur: Performer and teacher of Bansuri Indian flute and Indian and Sufi music.
- Lubna Salame: Vocalist from The Galilee. Teacher of ancient Christian choral music.
Contact us for a detailed program and further information