ANT KATZ

Hatikvah (HOPE REBORN) is an exciting multi-media performance by renowned Israeli concert pianist and scholar Dr Astrith Batlsan!

Whether one knows a little, a lot, or nothing at all about Israel’s national anthem – Hatikvah – one will be entertained, enlightened and inspired as Dr Baltsan weaves the national anthem into a fascinating personal show, in a spectacular performance containing music by Mozart, Chopin, Smetana, Jewish and Israeli folk, pop and rock tunes and rare historical recordings and video clips. 

The show presents a revolutionary research around the world in the footsteps of Israel’s national anthem: from ancient Sephardic Jewish prayer, to classical music; from Rumanian folk songs to first Jewish settlements in Israel, from Yassi to New York, from Bergen-Belzen concentration camp to Jerusalem, from Herzl claiming “our hope is not yet lost,” to rap-singers shouting:  “The dream will die if hope is denied.”

Do NOT miss this!

The event will be held for one performance only at the Sandton Shul Hall this Sunday (16 February). Tickets to the two-hour-long show (3.30 to 5.30) are just R150 each – but space is limited and booking is essential. Email lisa@beyachad.co.za or call her on 011 645-2510.

ASTRITH  BATLSAN

Israel’s top performance artist who’s playing to sold out concert halls throughout Israel. Baltsan revolutionizes the Classical Music scene as she blends music, storytelling and imagery to mesmerize her audience. Baltsan holds a doctorate from Manhattan School of music, numerous prizes in piano competitions in Israel. USA, Canada and France, Tel Aviv Prize for performance, The Ministry of culture Award for unique music achievement,, the Ministry of Education Prize for new paths in music education, “Audience Choice” Prize Israel largest newspaper: Yedioth Aharonoth (2006), Classical performer price” by Mifal Hapais, (2008) and special excellence in music prize from Israel Government and Ministry of Education. Her research and book plus 2 CDs on Hatikva – Israel’s national anthem – became a best seller and were criticatlly acclaimed as a Unique Achievement in Israel’s Cultural Life and in the entire Jewish World. 

HATIKVA – Synopsis

Sometimes, in victories, it is loud as the music’s playing

Sometimes, in memorials, it’s soft, almost like praying

Sometimes in ceremonies, we sing it because we have to

Sometimes, in obituaries, we sing it because we need to.

Sometimes in starts hesitantly, insecurely, reluctantly,

Yet with the phrase “Our hope is not yet lost” everybody sings enthusiastically.

Hatikvah is more 133 years old. What is the secret behind that song? Somewhere between a drunker poet (Imber) in 1878, a symphonic poem (Smetana) and folk tunes of new immigrants in the first settlements in Israel (1905) – our hope was born. It is still reborn and recreated in today’s life in Israel. Many stories and surprises await the listener in Dr. Baltsan musical journey. In her unique impeccable style, Baltsan sheds light on the origin, importance and transformations of Hatikvah . .

A Gigantic Success Story

This is really a Phenomena. I was mesmerized and hypnotized by Baltsan’s piano playing, artistic personality, sensuous voice, story telling, extremely personal way of making one listen and enter a magic Kaleidoscope of musical and human associations . In the beginning I was trying to resist this immense charisma and write my specific notes – but as the show went on I found myself completely captured and enjoying every moment of that adventure. One cannot argue with this gigantic success story . One can only admire Baltsan’s talent of finding her own unique way in the problematic scene of classical music today. (Haaretz)

Reviews:

• “This performance is a must for every Jew in the world!A gigantic achievement!” – Shimon Peres, President of Israel
• “Unique and wonderful!” – Zubin Mehta
• “An exhilarating experience! Sensational success!” – Haaretz
• “This woman is incredible! I laughed and cried, and could not cease to smile! Highly recommended!” – Yedioth Aharonot
• “I could not believe my eyes attending the 100th performance of Hatikva. One woman show, not one empty seat, and not one dry eye as we stood up for her in the end.” – Yaacov Bar On, Makor Rishon
• “Hatikva to the nth degree” – j.Jews News Weekly of Northern Califonia
• “Whether you know a little, a lot, or nothing at all about Hatikvah – you will be entertained, enlightened and inspired by Astrith Batlsan. No wonder this performance is such a gigantic success story in Israel and the Jewish world.” – Herald Tribune