Shlomi Shaban Reflects on Aging and Artistic Direction for Tel Aviv Festival
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Musician Shlomi Shaban is serving as the artistic director for the upcoming Tel Aviv Festival, taking place November 1-8. The festival will feature over 80 artists in more than 40 shows, with a focus on original productions and interdisciplinary art. A special closing event will honor veteran host Rivka Michaeli, reviving her classic show "A Reason for a Party." Shaban also discussed his personal reflections on aging and the creative process behind curating the event.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shlomi Shaban is the artistic director of the Tel Aviv Festival, running November 1-8.
- The festival will feature over 80 artists in more than 40 original productions and collaborations.
- Veteran host Rivka Michaeli will be honored at the festival's closing event.
- Shaban discussed his personal reflections on aging and trusting intuition.
- The festival aims to promote interdisciplinary art and collaborations.
- Shaban's wife, actress Yoval Sharf, will participate in an intimate performance segment.
Musician Shlomi Shaban, who recently turned 50, spoke about aging and intuition in an interview with "Israel Hayom." He stated that with age, he has learned to trust his gut feelings, acknowledging that while the body undergoes changes, accumulated experience allows for greater reliance on intuition. Shaban is currently serving as the artistic director for the Tel Aviv Festival, a role he successfully held last year. The festival, produced by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality in collaboration with "Hamon Volume" and "Forum Productions," will take place from November 1st to 8th at various city venues, including the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Performing Arts Center.
The festival aims to transform Tel Aviv into a multicultural celebration of music and art, pushing the boundaries of classical performance. Over 80 artists will participate in more than 40 shows, featuring original productions, tribute shows, premieres, and unique collaborations, all curated by Shaban's ability to blend genres and art forms. Notable participants include Avitar Banai, Ilana Dayan, Ari Folman, Galit Giat, Gali Atari, Shalom Hanoch, and Tamir Muskat.
A highlight of the festival will be the closing performance, "A Reason for a Party," featuring Rivka Michaeli. Michaeli will revive her iconic 1984-1990 television show, hosting guests like Ilana Dayan, Alon Eder, Gabbai Banai, and Gali Atari. Shaban expressed his admiration for Michaeli, calling her a "national treasure" and praising her sharp intellect and dedication.
Shaban also discussed the challenges of curating the festival for a second time, noting the pressure of expectations and the need to leverage new connections after relying heavily on personal relationships for the first festival. He highlighted that 95% of the festival's programming consists of original productions and premieres, with a wide musical spectrum and a focus on interdisciplinary art, a concept he hopes will grow in the coming years.
The festival will open with a special performance by Tamir Muskat, featuring the Israel Camerata Orchestra Jerusalem and the Nonna Choir, with appearances by Avitar Banai and Balkan Beat Box. This collaboration with the Israeli Opera's "Reflections" series marks the first time a music producer will be at the center of the series. Shaban's wife, actress Yoval Sharf, will also participate in an "One on One" segment, where artists perform for a single audience member, with Sharf offering card readings.
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