Avraham Fried Celebrates 45 Years With Energetic 'Fried and Friends' Show

The acclaimed Hasidic singer Avraham Fried marked 45 years in his career with a special concert series titled "Fried and Friends," part of the "Chasidus in Class" production. The show, which played three times this week in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Kiryat Motzkin, featured a lavish stage with impressive artistic screens and a full orchestra conducted by musical director Yuval Stupel. Fried, known for his energetic performances, opened the show after an orchestral rendition of Mozart's "Radezky March" and a medley of his greatest hits performed by violinist Gabriel Shuraki. He engaged the audience with improvisational musical comedy, expressing gratitude to a donor whose anonymous contribution made the expensive production possible. The concert showcased a blend of new material composed specifically for the event and beloved classics from Fried's extensive career, including songs like "V'dibracho" and "Ha'aleh Hakatan." The show also featured guest appearances from prominent Israeli and American singers, including Akiva, Shulem Lemmer, Beni Barbi, and Amir Dadon (with Dani Sanderson and Yitzchak Meir Halfegot appearing in Tel Aviv, and Dani Robbes in Kiryat Motzkin). These artists performed duets with Fried and presented their own repertoire. Despite occasional challenges with Hebrew lyrics, Fried's performances were noted for their charm and energy. The production, helmed by Yitzchak Rashi, is part of a series aiming to provide high cultural value, made feasible by significant financial backing. The review highlighted Stupel's masterful arrangements, which have been a staple of Fried's music for over two decades, balancing orchestral sounds with electric bass and guitars. The concert concluded with a medley of Fried's hits, including "L'Binyamin," "Yerushalayim Or Olam," and "K'shem She'ani," reminding the audience of his enduring impact on Israeli music over the past 45 years. The reviewer praised Fried's ability to adapt, perform new material, and revisit past hits, wishing him many more healthy and joyful years.