image sourced from original article at The annual Jerusalem International Oud Festival returns from November 6-13, bringing together a diverse lineup of musicians centered around the oud, the traditional string instrument. This year's program features celebrated artists such as Ehud Banai, Shalom Hanoch, Ravid Kahalani, Dudu Tassa, and Yehuda Poliker, who will close the festival with a 12-piece band. Notable performances include the reunion of Bustan Avraham, the Komradin Project's exploration of Arab-Andalusian music, and a new quintet led by oud player Emad Dalal.
Special projects highlight the musical heritage of ancient Jerusalem communities, with collaborations between students, teachers, and members of the Barashe Kurdish synagogue, as well as a tribute to the Jewish community of Damascus. The festival also welcomes its only international guest, Maestro N. Ravikian from South India. Artistic director Yair Harel emphasizes the festival's unique ability to unite varied musical traditions and foster creative encounters that rarely happen elsewhere.
