In a poignant tribute to commemorate one year since Hamas’s October 7 mega-atrocity, the Hope Project (HaTikva) is set to unite Israel’s leading orchestras in a heartfelt musical odyssey, showcasing an extraordinary gathering of hundreds of talented musicians and vocalists. This ambitious initiative will feature three world premieres across a remarkable 18 concerts spanning five consecutive days.
This deeply moving commemoration, spearheaded by the esteemed Azrieli Foundation, aims to produce a landmark music event that assembles Israel’s most illustrious orchestras, with over 500 dedicated musicians and vocalists participating in various concerts nationwide.
Conceived by Dr. Sharon Azrieli, a renowned soprano and influential director at the Azrieli Foundation, the project seeks to blend classical and sacred Jewish music. It is designed to honor the memory of those lost while fortifying the collective resilience of the community, marking a significant year since the harrowing events of October 7.
Running from October 30 to November 3, 13 orchestras will perform in cities across Israel, offering a diverse repertoire deeply rooted in themes of Jewish tradition, memory, and healing. The eclectic series includes works from both classic and contemporary sources, with each performance acting as a sacred space for reflection, honoring lives lost, and nurturing a renewed sense of unity and national strength. Among the event’s highlights will be three world premieres, each composed specifically for this project, vividly capturing the emotions and spirit that have defined the past year.
One premiere, titled Endless Silence by acclaimed composer Josef Bardanashvili—recipient of the prestigious 2024 Azrieli Prize for Music—is a heartrending work performed by the Na’ama Ensemble alongside a symphony orchestra. This poignant piece is intricately woven with texts derived from letters and messages left behind by both citizens and soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
“The power of music to heal, inspire and elevate us in the darkest of times is unparalleled,” Azrieli emphasized. “This project represents our collective offering to discover strength and hope together, utilizing the transcendence of music to uplift spirits and illuminate our paths.”
Unified orchestras
The Hope Project will spotlight Israel’s most esteemed orchestras, including the illustrious Israel Philharmonic conducted by the talented Lahav Shani, as well as the Jerusalem East and West Orchestra featuring vocalist Yigal Harush. The lineup also includes the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra with renowned singers Eliav Zohar and Efrat Gosh, along with performances by the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion, Haifa Symphony Orchestra, Israeli Chamber Orchestra, Ashdod Andalusian Orchestra, Jerusalem Camerata, Ra’anana Symphonette, Israel Sinfonietta Beer-Sheva, and the National Youth Wind Orchestra. Each ensemble is set to perform selections from the rich tapestry of Jewish sacred music, carefully curated to resonate with shared grief and resilience.
Beyond merely memorializing these tragic events, the concerts serve as a powerful reminder of music’s profound role in cultivating hope and fostering healing. Each musical piece resonates with the indomitable strength of a community united by its heritage, seamlessly intertwining the classical masterpieces of composers like Mozart and Bach with Jewish liturgical texts and new compositions from contemporary Jewish artists. Together, the participating orchestras and performers will create an inclusive space where the nation can connect, mourn, and ultimately find solace in the extraordinary beauty of music.
For over 30 years, the Azrieli Foundation has been dedicated to fostering communities and supporting various initiatives in both Israel and Canada, with a steadfast commitment to the arts, educational advancement, and social progress. Through transformative programs like the Hope Project, the foundation continues its mission of bridging the past and future, inviting individuals to explore how music can serve as both a commemoration and an inspiration for the future.
Concerts will run from October 30 to November 3. For the full concert schedule and ticket information, please visit www.hatikvah.ca.
