Israeli Andalusian Orchestra


The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra is a musical ensemble based in Ashdod, Israel.
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History

Originating as a project to honor the heritage of immigrants from the Maghreb, the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra was formed in Ashdod in December 1987, as a joint initiative of the liturgical singer and classical conductor Moti Malka and then-mayor Arieh Azulay, both of Moroccan origin. The Orchestra is financed by the Ashdod municipality and the Culture Ministry and has toured Israel, the United States, and several European countries.
The orchestra comprises around 30 musicians and singers, mainly of Tunisian, Moroccan and Russian origin. It features traditional Sephardic Jewish-Arab and Andalusian music and poetry, combining classical Arab-Andalusian and European instruments. The orchestra's artistic director and head conductor is Sivan Albo-Ben Hur.

Awards and recognition

In 2006, the orchestra was awarded the Israel Prize, for its lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.
In 2025, President Isaac Herzog's office named Moti Malka, founder of the orchestra, among the nine recipients of the Presidential Medal of Honour.