Mandolin
צילום: jupiter
A master and his mandolin
The Israeli Camerata Jerusalem will be performing Vivaldi's concerto for solo mandolin and strings, during their current concert season in May
Antonio Vivaldi (1678 – 1741) is probably best known for his 'Four Seasons' set of concertos. Yet, the Venetian composer's musical output was both vast and varied. Vivaldi wrote more than 500 concertos (mainly for strings), 46 operas (he was also an opera impresario), 76 sonatas and numerous other pieces.
Today, the mandolin doesn't hold a prominent place in the classical music concert hall. It is more frequently associated with lightweight music for entertainment. Yet, the mandolin was an important part of both large and small instrumental groups from the 16th century onwards.
One of Vivaldi's most charming works is the Concerto RV425 for solo mandolin and strings, a work which was featured as background music in the 1968 French Film 'The Bride Wore Black'.
The Israeli Camerata Jerusalem under the leadership of its dynamic conductor, Avner Biron, will be performing the concerto during their current concert season in May, a total of eight performances in various locations. The soloist is the high-regarded international artist Avi Avital.
Born in Israel, Avital studied in both Israel and later in Italy. He has toured Israel, Europe, USA and the Far East. Critics claim he has "everything you never even dreamed a mandolin could do."
In addition to the Vivaldi Mandolin Concerto, Avi Avital will play the Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra by Israeli composer, Avner Dorman. This will be a premiere performance.
The Camerata, one of Israel's finest chamber orchestras was founded in 1984 by Avner Biron. During the early 1990s, with the inflow of many talented musicians from the former Soviet Union, the quality of the orchestra was greatly enriched. They have toured Europe and the Far East and perform regularly in Israel.
