TOUCHING HEAVEN

SHLOMO GRONICH and the SOUL ENSEMBLE

With:

Shlomo Gronich : Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Accordion, & Percussion

Hanan Bar Sela : Clarinet, Saxophones

This exciting  ensemble presents a wide variety of musical styles, with a special emphasis on authentic Jewish music in new, original arrangements.  The ensemble produces a wide rainbow of musical colors, intertwined and bound together:  Jewish soul music, ethnic melodies, Gypsy music, rock & jazz improvisation, liturgy & prayers, ritual tribal music, ancient & original compositions.

Gronich performs songs based on Jewish soul music and liturgy, including:  "Eli Ata" (Thou Art My God), "Avinu Malkenu" (Our Father, Our King), "Hashmi'eni" (Hear Me - from the repertoire of the late Reb Shlomo Carlebach), "Tehe Hasha'a Hazot" (Let This Be The Hour - from the Belz Hassidic tradition), as well as original songs that flow from his own personal Jewish roots and were composed especially for this ensemble.  Well known pieces such as "Niguni Meron" (Melodies from Meron), "Freulich" (Happy Tunes), and melodies from various Hasidic courts are presented in unique, surprising arrangements - liturgical, yet joyful.  Familiar, well known music is presented here as never heard before.

Gronich moves on stage among a wide range of instruments - from piano to accordion to percussion.

Hanan Bar Sela plays clarinet from the depths of his soul, creating an aura of melancholy, tears and laughter. 

The musical energy on the stage engulfs and enthralls the audience.  Each of the musicians is a master instrumentalist and outstanding performer.  Together they create an unforgettable musical adventure.

TOUCHING HEAVEN

SHLOMO GRONICH and the SOUL ENSEMBLE

SHLOMO GRONICH is known as a multi-faceted artist - composer of classical and folk music, singer, arranger and lyricist, as well as composer of music for cinema, theater and dance.  Gronich recorded his first LP in 1971 and has since published another 15 records and CDs.

In 1991 he established the Sheba Choir, consisting of immigrant children from the Ethiopian Jewish community.  Together they perform regularly in Israel and throughout the world.

Gronich has been awarded three Israeli cinema Oscars for film soundtracks.  In 1999 he received the Israel Composers and Musicians Organization )AKUM( Prize for his contribution to musical life in Israel.

This year Gronich has embarked on a special new project - a choir of Arab and Jewish Youth, under the auspices of the Tel Aviv - Jaffa Municipality.  The Choir sings in Arabic and Hebrew and will serve as a cultural bridge between the communities.

HANAN BAR SELA is a graduate of the Levinsky Music Aacademy in Tel Aviv.  He has played the clarinet and saxophone for many years, and has developed a unique, personal style of Jewish Soul Music.  He currently conducts numerous wind instrument bands, as well as various choirs and vocal ensembles.  

Hanan performs regularly in Israel and abroad, and has been an integral performer at the Annual Klezmer Festival in Safed, of which he has been General Manager since 1966.  To date Hanan has recorded 7 LPs, including "Klezmer Music from the Soul", "Z'mirot” (Melodies of Shabat), and "Songs of Reb Shlomo Carlebach".

For further information please contact: