Arrangements and Music Direction: Tom Cohen
Conductor: Matan Yona
Guest Musician: Naor Ben Dror

Long before ‘rags to riches’ became a showbiz cliché, Itzik Kala rose from humble beginnings to stardom with little media help. A towering figure in Israeli Mizrahi music, Kala, recipient of the 2026 EMI Lifetime Achievement Award, has worked with leading artists, released dozens of albums, and given us a string of much-loved classics. Over decades, he has earned a special place in Israeli music. A Jerusalemite, recipient of the city’s Y'kir Ha'Ir (Honored Citizen) award, Kala embodies the city's creative spirit. We're delighted to welcome this living legend for a concert that brings together the musical traditions of Kurdistan, Turkey, Greece, and Israel.