Jazz

What is jazz? Jerusalem festival proves there’s no single answer

From traditional jazz trios to global sounds and fusion acts, the festival celebrates the freedom that lies at jazz’s heart.

Acclaimed pianist Nitai Hershkovits (L) takes over the reins of the Jerusalem Jazz Festival from internationally renowned trumpeter Avishai Cohen (R).
Guy Mintus

The second Israeli Jazz Festival in Lehavim gets underway

Ittai Binnun plays a large number of wind and other instruments.

Ittai Binnun’s ‘Home’: Jerusalem jazz meets post–Oct 7. reality

‘Princess Abigail and the Factory of Emotions’ (see Friday).

Jerusalem highlights: March 6-12


Matti Caspi laid to rest as family and artists gather to honor his legacy

In an emotionally charged ceremony, hundreds of family members, friends, and figures from the cultural world arrived today at the Kfar Saba cemetery to accompany Matti Caspi on his final journey.

Family members and friends attend a funeral service for Israeli singer and composer Mati Caspi, who passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer, in Tel Aviv, February 9, 2026.

The alchemist of the strings: Michael Greilsammer returns to Jerusalem

From classical foundations to Caribbean reggae and cinematic themes, Michael Greilsammer brings his musical odyssey home to Jerusalem.

The Michael Greilsammer Trio.

Music, kabbalah, and time: Inside Eduard Shyfrin’s kabbalistic soundscape

In his latest album, Eduard Shyfrin weaves contemporary music with the spiritual depth of Jewish mysticism, creating a deeply reflective listening experience.

Shyfrin (center) at Abbey Road Studios with producer Mike Hedges (L) and arranger Fred Luzignant

Veteran Jazz ensemble cancel New Year’s show over Trump Kennedy Center renaming

"Jazz was born from struggle and from an insistence on freedom: freedom of thought, of expression, and of the full human voice," the group said, justifying the decision over Kennedy's renaming.

The newly added lettering for US President Donald Trump's name is displayed at the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, US, December 19, 2025

Open for business in Ra’anana: A new jazz festival spreads its musical options

The three-dayer (December 18-20) comes clean from the off and calls itself World. Jazz. Music. Festival. 

MOROCCAN ARTIST Hind Ennaira will perform at the World. Jazz. Music. Festival.

French jazz combo Les Haricots Rouges brings gaiety to New Orleans fest in Tel Aviv

The Les Haricots Rouges jazz combo is due to appear at the New Orleans Festival at the Tel Aviv Museum from November 27-29.

LES HARICOTS Rouges brings New Orleans to Tel Aviv.

French jazz saxophonist Benjamin Petit flies high

The French saxophonist is a commercial airline pilot who works on long haul flights for Air France.

BENJAMIN PETIT juggles his music career and his commercial pilot career.

Colors of time: Music of the mystic, mystics of the music

Exploring the spiritual link between colors, time, and human choice through the lens of Kabbalah and music.

Eduard Shyfrin

Jazz trumpeter Avishai Cohen to unload post-October 7 angst at Israel Festival

Avishai Cohen's latest record, 'Ashes to Gold,' packs an emotional punch and will be performed on July 16 in Jerusalem as part of this year’s Israel Festival.

 AVISHAI COHEN: I’m not sure this is my most personal record, but I think it’s my best!

Jazz composer Kai Gluska to debut new album at Shablul in Tel Aviv

The event will feature the Kai Gluska Sextet, the same ensemble that performed on his debut album, Impressions of Yesterday.

 Kai Gluska.