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An instrumental change

While the oud is still at the center of the eponymous festival, there are no concerts devoted solely to it.

Israeli-Arab singer Amal Murkus’s latest album has
Photo by: Ilan Besor
Now in its 12th year, the Jerusalem International Oud Festival, the “king” of classical Oriental music, has a special added attraction. “The oud festival and the instrument itself have gained a solid and prominent place in the cultural and musical life of this city and of Israel in general, so I felt that I could feature additional voices – and this year it is the female voice,” says Effie Benaya, artistic director of the festival.

Despite a considerable reduction in financial support to the festival – the European Union has withdrawn its generous support, creating a deficit of 40,000 euros in the budget, resulting in a shorter festival (by one third) – Benaya says this year’s festival will maintain the high artistic level it has set from its inception. However, he admits that it is frightening to think that such an important cultural event could so easily lose part of its financing.

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