Yair Dalal

YAIR DALAL composer, violinist, oud player singer and a teacher; A prolific ethnic musician, plays an important role in shaping the global world music scene. Over the last decade he has released 12 albums, covering wide and varied cultural territory, and authentically representing Israeli , Jewish and Middle Eastern cultures, and fusing them through music as whole.

Much of Dalal’s work reflects his extensive musical skills in both classical-European, Jazz and Arabic music and also reflects a strong affinity he has for the desert and its habitants. Dalal’s family came to Israel from Baghdad, and his Iraqi roots are embedded in his musical work. Whether working on his own or with his Alol ensemble, Dalal creates new Middle Eastern music by interweaving the traditions of Iraqi and Jewish Arabic music with a range of influences originating from such diverse cultural milieus as the Balkans to India. The evocative compositions comprise a unique and colorful sound.

Apart from creating music, Dalal devotes his time to preserving musical heritages from becoming extinct – the Babylonian Jewish Iraqi musical heritage and the music of the Bedouins (the Sinai desert nomads).

Dalal has won several Israeli awards acknowledging his music as well as his overall contribution to Israeli music. In November 2015, Yair received an award from the Jerusalem international oud festival for his work and creativity in the world music scene. He was also nominated in 2000 for a Grammy as part of Jordi Saval’s ensemble and by BBC world music rewards 2003 for his musical achievements as best musician from the middle east. Yair Dalal continues his musical work with new projects performing and composing.