Students can get a taste of Israeli culture at The Front Room tonight when Esta, an international ensemble from Israel, stops on campus as part of a week-long workshop in Nelsonville.
Esta is the second group to visit Nelsonville as a part of Arts Midwest World Fest, a two-year program in conjunction with Stuart's Opera House dedicated to bringing international groups to areas that might not be able to afford it, said Ken Carlson, World Fest program director.
Esta was chosen for the program because they are an outstanding ensemble that represents multiple cultures, Carlson said.
Each member's parents immigrated to Israel from a different country. Despite some cultural differences, the group members came together as musicians and brought their heritage to the band's sound, saxophonist Amir Gwirtzman wrote in an e-mail.
Guitarist Ori Beanstock and drummer Shlomo Deshet began playing together in 1979 when they were 14 years old. During their mandatory, three-year military service in the Israeli army, they met bassist Bentzi Gafni and Gwirtzman. The four of them played in the Israeli Air Force Band.
After their military service ended, the four of them moved to Manhattan in 1991, where they further developed their style. In 1999, vocalist Yarona Harel joined the group, broadening the band's sound with her unique voice and stage presence, Gwirtzman wrote.
Because of the different influences within its members, the band crosses borders and genres, combining Mediterranean, Balkan, African, Asian, Celtic and Western sounds into their music.
Even the group's name crosses borders. Esta is Israeli musicians' slang for the umm pah rhythm of polka music, which is popular all around the world, Gwirtzman said.
They all are highly knowledgeable
highly skilled musicians Carlson said, adding that the band's commitment to cultural education was another reason why they were chosen for the World Fest program.
As a part of World Fest, Esta will spend this week hosting workshops and performing for elementary and high school students in the Nelsonville-York City School District.
I think we realize (education is) a very important thing in life G? How can anyone think of the future without an education? Gwirtzman said.
Gwirtzman said the band's goal is to encourage peace among different cultures by bringing different musical influences into one sound.
It's close to our idea (of representing many cultures). Yes we are from Israel
but (the music) is from all around the world
he said.
Nelsonville is one of 11 other cities involved in World Fest. Arts Midwest will spend an estimated $800,000 to $900,000 on the program for all nine of its member states during the two-year program.-
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Katherine Bercik
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Members of the Israeli band Esta, Shlomo Deshet, Ori Beanstock, Yarona Harel, Bentzi Gafni and Amir Gwirtzman are performing at 7 tonight at the Front Room. The band is in town as part of Arts Midwest World Fest.
