Acclaimed Israeli composer and educator Andre Hajdu dies at age 84

Born in Hungary in 1932, Hajdu studied piano, composition and ethnomusicology at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest.

AUGUST 3, 2016 20:07

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and Andres Mustonen (photo credit: SASSON TIRAM) — The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and Andres Mustonen

(photo credit: SASSON TIRAM)

Andre Hajdu, one of Israel’s most venerated classical composers, died on August 1 at the age of 84.

Born in Hungary in 1932, Hajdu studied piano, composition and ethnomusicology at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest.

He escaped from Hungary in 1956 and moved to Paris, where he continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire.

In 1966, Hajdu made his home in Jerusalem. He taught at the Tel Aviv Music Academy from 1966 to 1991 and at Bar-Ilan University since 1970, where he served as chairman of the Music Department and established a composition department.

As a teacher of piano and musical theory, implementing a creative approach, Hajdu nurtured some of the country’s prominent composers, such as Gil Shohat, Yonatan Razel, Yoni Rechter, Matti Kovler and Matan Porat.

In 1977, Hajdu was awarded the Israel Prize for music.

As a composer, he delved deeply into Jewish topics such as folklore, liturgy, thought and history.

His substantial body of work includes orchestral, chamber, choral, piano and string compositions, as well as several songs.