Israeli Composer Hana Ajiashvili Wins Prestigious Azrieli Music Prize
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Israeli composer Hana Ajiashvili won the 2026 Azrieli Music Prize for her composition "Riddle," which premiered in Montreal, Canada, performed by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. The piece, inspired by Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, explores themes of power and responsibility. The award and international reception highlight the global impact of Israeli artistic talent. Ajiashvili also has another work scheduled for performance in Switzerland.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli composer Hana Ajiashvili won the 2026 Azrieli Music Prize for her work "Riddle."
- The composition "Riddle" premiered in Montreal, Canada, on October 15, 2026.
- The Montreal Symphony Orchestra performed Ajiashvili's piece under conductor Asher Fish.
- The work draws inspiration from the philosophical texts of Rabbi Yehuda Halevi.
- Music critic Frederic Cardin praised the composition as powerful and emotionally impactful.
- Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shohat stated the award brings pride to Israel and the city.
Israeli composer Hana Ajiashvili, director of the "Nefgashim" community center conservatory in Or Yehuda, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Azrieli Music Prize for Jewish Music. Her composition, "Riddle," received its world premiere on October 15, 2026, at Maison symphonique in Montreal, Canada, during the Azrieli Prize Gala concert. The piece draws inspiration from a philosophical text by the medieval poet and thinker Rabbi Yehuda Halevi, exploring themes of power, morality, and human responsibility.
The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (OSM) performed "Riddle" under the baton of Israeli conductor Asher Fish, featuring Israeli soprano Hila Bagee and the OSM Chorus conducted by Andrew Megill. The event was broadcast live globally on platforms including medici.tv, The Violin Channel, and the British magazine Gramophone.
Overseas reviews were enthusiastic, with music critic Frederic Cardin describing the work as powerful, emotionally impactful, and having a "shattering" conclusion. Or Yehuda Mayor Liat Shohat congratulated Ajiashvili, stating that Israeli culture and art continue to serve as a bridge of inspiration and strength worldwide. Shohat added that the award and international attention bring immense honor and pride to Israel and the city, demonstrating the impact of local talent on a global stage by connecting historical Jewish roots with contemporary symphonic performance.
The Azrieli Music Prizes were established by Dr. Sharon Azrieli to foster original compositions and provide a global platform for composers. Ajiashvili's success in Montreal is part of a productive period, with another of her works scheduled for performance in Switzerland in November, featuring international violinist Ilya Gringolts.