'Protesters threw stink bombs at my concert'
Renowned British-Israeli classical singer Yaniv D'or tells Ynet about the varied responses he gets in the world, which range from enthusiasm to blatant disrespect and cancellation threats.
British-Israeli Singer Yaniv D'or, 40, has bene applauded all over the world. But his Israeli nationality has also resulted in protests and threats that concerts would be cancelled if he contacted Israeli organizations.
D'or recently signed a three-record contract with Nexus, the largest classical music label. He is now releasing the first of these, "Latino-Ladino", which blends Sephardic Jewish folklore with ancient music from Europe and South America.
D'Or plays with the Israeli ensemble Barrocade and the Swedish Ensemble NAYA. Together, they maintain the connection between the old and the new, the conservative and the modern.
"Working with the Barrocade ensemble was completely natural," D'Or told Ynet. "We were all born in Israel, grew up here, were influenced by all the different cultures, and of course share a great love for ancient music. It was only a matter of time until something like this war created. The classical world is thirsty for new music."
D'Or has performed all over Europe, including before Queen Elizabeth I herself, and is about to embark on a world tour in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. While the reception has generally been warm, this has not always been the case.
"Alongside the warm, embracing reactions, I also encounter harsh criticism, sometimes even blatant hatred, but mostly protests and boycotts," D'Or said. "Two years ago protesters got on stage in the middle of a concert in South Africa and threw stink bombs. In Norway the media completely and obviously ignored the concerts I gave until I had to cancel one of them. In Britain, I was asked not to contact any Israeli institution or they would cancel my concert.
"I wrote this one bit on the album," D'or continued. "During Operation Protective Edge, I was very upset. I couldn't bear the terrible feeling. My Facebook feed was full of reactions from every side. One night the words "the loneliness of the night" caught my eye – words that described what I felt. I sat in front of the piano and wrote it without thinking at all. It just happened. "
