A special evening with an outstanding performance and fascinating storytelling, for ESRA Members only!
Sofi and The Baladis, a five-member ensemble led by singer Sofi Tsedaka, features soulful and richly textured performances of an array of musical traditions which lie at the heart of Israel's diverse and historic cultures. The group's multi-lingual concerts, presenting new interpretations of songs from the ancient Samaritan community, as well as compelling vocal and instrumental work from mid-20th century Arabic composers, transcend genres, and move easily from being deeply spiritual to an upbeat and rhythmic style that captivates and will bring audiences to their feet. The commentary Sofi provides throughout the concert tells the story of the Samaritan Tsedaka family, a moving and powerful story of family and Sofi's search for balance, understanding, faith, and belonging as they navigate the pathway between their Jewish and Arab identities.
During the show you will hear her outstanding personal story about identity, Israel and the connection between them.
Sofi Tsedaka, also known by her post-conversion name Sofi Sarah, is an Israeli actress, singer, television presenter and politician. Born into a Samaritan family in the city of Holon, Israel, Tsedaka formally converted to Judaism along with her sisters at the age of 18. She has acted and sung on various television shows and children's video cassettes throughout her career and has also released several musical singles on Israeli radio. Tsedaka voiced the character Ella of Frell (played by Anne Hathaway) in the Hebrew-language dub of the 2004 film Ella Enchanted. In 2017, Tsedaka produced a documentary about leaving the Samaritan community and converting to Judaism. She has released a CD titled Barashet, which is the Samaritan-language rendering of the Biblical Hebrew word for the Book of Genesis (בְּרֵאשִׁית, Bərēšīṯ), containing the first few verses of the Samaritan Pentateuch.
Vocals: Sofi Tsedaka
Oud: Yaniv Taichman
Percussion: Gadi Seri
Qanun: Yossi Bronfman
Flute: Yogev Levi
A shuttle from Herzliya train station is available for our out of town Members.
Pickup at 18:45 and returning to the train station following the show.
