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Booking and Management Cadence Arts Network
Grape Seed Management |
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About Yuval Ron |
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World-music artist, composer, producer, educator and peace activist, Yuval Ron works internationally in film, television, dance and theater. Among his many honors, he was invited to perform for the Dalai Lama, for Pir Zia Iniyat Khan (Head of the Sufi International Order), and has produced albums of Turkish master-musician Omar Faruk Tekbilek. In 2006, Yuval won an Oscar for the musical film,West Bank Story, and in 2004 received the Los Angeles Treasures Award. He is the recipient of prestigious grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Composers Forum, California Council for the Humanities and the Rockefeller Foundation, among more. Yuval has lectured throughout the world in universities such as University of California Los Angeles, John Hopkins University, Middlebury College, Brandeis University, MIT, Berklee College of Music, Pittsburgh University, Texas University in Austin, University of California San Diego, and the Jerusalem Film School in Israel. Yuval is the musical director and oud player for The Yuval Ron Ensemble, which includes Arabic, Jewish and Christian artists who unite the sacred music traditions of Judaism, Sufism and the Armenian Church into an unusual mystical, spiritual and inspiring musical celebration. Independantly and through his work in music, Yuval Ron actively promotes peace and goodwill. For more information please see Yuval Ron's Bio page here.
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Presenters' Testimonials |
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| "The Yuval Ron Ensemble's poetry, melodies, rhythms and movements transcend political, linguistic and religious divisions. Ron is a master storyteller, whose soft-spoken sincerity and insights promote human solidarity, serving as a powerful antidote to our pessimism and cynicism. By the end of the concert, the audience once again believes in the possibilities for peace and friendship among Muslims, Christians and Jews." – Joel Glick Oregon Education Association (OEA), Portland, OR |
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| "Yuval Ron Ensemble, a world-class group... had a big impact on our community in a variety of ways, they are an inspiring, challenging, and memorable group." – Judith Eissenberg, Director, MusicUnitesUS Brandeis University, Boston, MA |
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| "The Yuval Ron Ensemble seamlessly blends extraordinary musical achievement with vivid storytelling. I was greatly impressed by their ability to capture the musical traditions, the history, and the many cultures of the Middle East within the universal message of peace, while being artistically stimulating and emotionally moving. Their genuine desire to have meaningful interaction with the audience was truly refreshing, whether during the show, afterward, or even over a casual cup of coffee the next day. I know they made a lot of people happy in Eugene." – Milo Petruziello, Cultural Forum Oregon State University |
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| "The Yuval Ron Ensemble does a wonderful restorative work. There is no medicine more potent than music in our wounded world" – Ruth Broyde Sharone, Parliament of World Religions |
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| "I was completely transformed by your music. It took me to spiritual places in my soul and our collective Soul that I had not known before I experienced your amazing music. Thank you and your ensemble members, all brilliant as you are, for a life affirming experience." – Lori Kizzia, Director of Peace and Justice, All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA |
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| "Yuval Ron Ensemble has greatly blessed and deepened the spiritual life at this community." – Tim Megorden, Tessa moon Leiseth, Office of Ministry Concordia College, Moorhead., MN |
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| "(The Yuval Ron Ensemble)'s gift to all of us... is one of deep spiritual truth. Truth that the music transcends language, culture, differences, to touch the shared core of the human spirit...the Ensemble is able to evoke the human commonality felt through music, that spirit-lifting connection....human communication and connection (that) surpasses the intellect and ego, it goes to the center, to that which is infinite, perhaps divine, in us all." – Mel Hamel, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, Fresno, CA |
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| "...the music beautiful, touching, uplifting, exciting - the discussion enlightened and filled with insight and ruach." – Rabbi John Rosove, Senior Rabbi Temple Israel of hollywood, CA |
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| "Amazing concert.... a new and refined holy tapestry, a renewed reality...awesome healing....I could feel the untangling of the tangles through the music. God Bless you and your holy work." – Rabbi Tmimah Ockovits, Santa Monica, CA |
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| "Yuval Ron Ensemble's ability to bring together such evocative and eloquent music with an intellectual exploration of the music’s history and development, and a subtle message about cultural fusion and coexistence made the concert—and the entire residency—a truly unique experience, both for me personally and for the many participants who commented on it to me in this spirit." – Prof. Arieh Saposnik, Director Y & S Nazarian Center for Israel Studies, UCLA |
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| "a wonderful, uplifting evening of music and spirit." – Rabbi Jay Shasho Levy J.D. Sephardic Temple Tifereth Israel , Los Angeles, CA |
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| "The concert at UCLA was FABULOUS!!!! It was moving to see the varieties of cultures -- Arabic, Mizrahi, Yemenite, Israeli, Armenian -- joined together in making music. Very powerful statement." – Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Senior Rabbi Valley Beth Shalom and American Jewish University, Los Angeles, CA |
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| "a feast for the ear, eye, heart! It was a joy to get to learn , listen and sing with you and your ensemble for the last two weeks and I heard nothing but wonderful praise from our guests." – Miriam Zacuto - Director of Programming Center of Israel Studies, UCLA |
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| "It was AWESOME. The kids
loved it...the Ensemble was great. The classes were wonderful and the performance
was terrific." – Brett Carroll, Choirs Director Burbank High School , Burbank, CA |
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| “ The evening performance
was mesmerizing. Yuval is a gifted communicator and his ensemble was comprised
of high caliber musicians and singers.” – Denise Nelson Nash, Vice President of Public Affairs CalTech, Pasadena, CA |
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| “... truly a special evening... It was magical, gentle, sweet, contemplative, inspiring, calming, wondrous.” – Rabbi John Rosove Temple Israel of Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA |
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| "You and your band left Indianapolis
a better town because of the good vibes you generate." – Charlie Wiles, Director International Interfaith Initiative, Indianapolis, IN |
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| "...a fabulous evening last night,
had the busiest evening of the year in our cafe, and have been receiving
raves from our audience. Most importantly, last night provided a ray of
light.." – Elissa Schein, Director of Public Programs Museum of Jewish Heritage, New York, NY |
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| "... the lecture was great
and that the students had an insightful discussion afterwards, bringing
in themes of orientalism and religious diversity.......The concert also
provided a catalyst for critical thinking around questions of cultural
representation. From all accounts, we not only met, but exceeded the anticipated
student learning outcomes." – Lauren Stuart Muller, Chair, Interdisciplinary Studies City College of San Francisco, CA |
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| "...
the Yuval Ron Ensemble mesmerized a crowd of over 500 people at Benaroya
Hall. The Ensemble brought
to Seattle the gift of what is possible: friends making music together
across boundaries that too often seem impenetrable. Yuval Ron Ensemble
Delights with Music, Dance and Hope for Peace" – Susan K. Hogan, Director of Marketing and Communications School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University, WA |
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| " ...your concert was music,
performance, liturgy, dance, deep spirituality all presented in a holistic
way." – Jack Olive, Ascociate Dean for Ecumenical Relations School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University, WA |
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| " A majestic and most
enjoyable performance...Indeed, your music was most enjoyable and refreshing." |
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| " a terrific and moving
performance yesterday. The students I spoke to afterwards loved it and
were really inspired. We were honored to have The Yuval Ron Ensemble perform
on campus and what a positive response they got from the students." – Jasamin Rostam-Kolayi, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of History, California State University, San Marcos, CA |
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| “… coming together
of people from the three main Middle Eastern religious groups in a peaceful
way is a gift. Not only the Yuval Ron Ensemble members are role-modeling,
they are giving people a chance to come together in a safe space so that
they can start to deal with people from other religions in a non-stereotypical
way.” – Dr. Sally Childs-Helton, Butler University, IN |
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| " The concert was fabulous,
The ensemble got a standing ovation." – David Ortiz, Arts and Lectures Coordinator California State University, San Marcos, CA |
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| “ Yuval has such a remarkable
presence, which draws people in and, like a magnet, holds their every bit
of attention. The performances were stunning. It was a wonderful event,
a true ‘happening’!” – Dr. Richard Braun, Chairman The Jewish Music Commission Los Angeles, CA |
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| "Incredible, Excellent. Wonderful. Wow... -just a sampling of some of the comments after the performance last night. I know Yuval Ron touched a lot of people with his music and presence. We are truly honored to be in the business of presenting folks like him." – Patrick Grace, General Manager, Performance Center Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
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| "I was in awe (and envy) as I listened to Yuval Ron play the Oud. His music will inspire me to keep finding new voices in my own music." – Phil Kadidlo, Director of Worship and Music Trinity Lutheran, Stillwater, MN |
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| "It was a lovely and inspiring evening. I have been listening in my car
to the CD we bought last night after the concert. It is a wonderful way
to extend the feelings of the evening:) Thanks for everything you all
contributed to this event! Blessings to the Yuval Ron Ensemble as they
continue to share this vision of peace." – Siri Erickson, Pastor Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, MN |
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| “… the music performed
by Yuval Ron was food for the soul…” – Eisha Maison, Peace Ministry, Agape Church |
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" A powerful
and deeply moving afternoon...the music and dance filled the space and
the emotions welled up through the trees and out to the top of the building...into
the universe for good will, peace, and harmony." |
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"I was impressed, or better deeply moved not only by the wonderful music, but also the spiritual depth that it conveyed, not only about our individual needs to go within, but also about going out to others in striving for peace." |
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"Many of us at K-State have remarked that your concert was one of the most uplifting events they have ever attended. I cannot thank you enough for bringing us all together in a very spiritual and artful way." |
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"...an incredible gift to the Manhattan community....many felt it to be life-changing. Your talks we so heartfelt, down to earth and yet incandescent in their implications." |
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“ Truly, the concert,
that lovely 2 hours of joyful, spirit-filled prayer/song and dance between
people was the perfect ending to an incredible experience.” |
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"Yuval Ron
and friends are refreshing like an oasis in the desert." |
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| “… an exceptional concert,
filled with honest emotion and superb musicianship… evocative and transformative music.” – David Kates, Ex. Director Jewish Music Commission, Los Angeles, CA |
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| " People were really touched,
even moved, by this concert...this kind of thing doesn't happen every day.
And every day, every time that it does, is special and something to treasure." – Titus Levi, Assistant Professor of Communications USC, Los Angeles, CA |
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| " The audience was clearly mesmerized
by the combination of cultures and styles that were blended together in
the show…" – Dr. Mark Levine, History Department UC Irvine, Los Angeles, CA |
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| "...incredible, amazing....it was a devine
treat..." – Martin Issacson, Artist, Teacher UCLA and Ventura College |
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| "a mystical and wonderful evening" – Daniel Faraldo, Actor, Writer |
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"the concert was more than magnificent!
This was the best concert I have ever seen, and the huge crowd agreed.
It ws like traveling to the Middle east. So invigorating and inspiring.
I especially enjoyed the Pakistani harmonium player--he is a fascinating
showman." |
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| "MERCI for a beautiful concert, I loved
it, and I loved the whirling dervish. Thank you for a special evening." – Allegra Pesenti, Curator Hammer Museum, Los Angeles |
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| "Marvelous performance. People really loved it." – Dr. Jane Brockman, CEO/Director Music & Conversations, Inc. Los Angeles, CA |
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| "Watching 'The Soul of Spain' touched my Spanish soul. The blend of different media heightened all of my senses, with the gorgeous and hypnotic dancers and all of the extremely talented musicians. The Yuval Ron Ensemble is truly a beautifully unique, mind-blowing display of peace that moves even the most feeble-minded." – Cathy Arias, The Corsair newspaper Santa Monica, CA |
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| "I thoroughly enjoyed your concert last
night and my friend and I listened to the CD this morning. It is beautiful.
Some old favorites and some new material. All in all, a rich and wonderful
evening." – Marilyn Gttschall, Professor Whittier College, Whittier |
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| "Such heartfelt goodwill mixed with fabulous music...Yuval has the capacity to bring the audience to their feet, singing as one with each other and the ensemble, everyone leaves uplifted and with smiles. He is just what America and the world needs right now." – Rachel Cohen, Cadence Arts network |
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| Ensemble
Encourages Unity with Diverse Music, Dance Performances Erica Goff, Fairbanks Daily News - Miner, 04/17/09 |
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| Strumming the Sephardic Soul Joey Leichman, New Jersey Jewish Standard, 02/13/09 |
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| The Yuval Ron Ensemble with Dervish Aziz The Fake Angeleno, 09/29/08 |
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| Yuval Ron Ardent Observations, 05/08/08 |
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"Middle Eastern
Musicians to Cross Culture Lines for UCLA Event" "A Lesson
in Harmony: Peace Through Music" "We are the World: Music Unites at Brandeis" "Crossing Borders with Music" "Interfaith Prayer Breakfast" "Yuval Ron Ensemble unites people, faith, music" |
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![]() Mira Tweti, Orange County Jewish Life, 07/2005 |
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"Yuval Ron a dizzying experience"
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"Message
to the World" "Making Music, Not War" |
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"Editorial" "Israeli flamenco gypsy musician Yuval Ron strikes a chord" |
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"Concert healing salve" |
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"Sufism inspires Israeli musicians" |
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| Residency Brochures | |
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Concert Programs The ensemble is currently performing three different programs as follows: |
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program
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2: The Soul of Spain An extraordinary testament to music's transforming power and inspirational reach. In a vivid program, the Yuval Ron Ensemble - with guest gypsy flamenco musicians and dancers - explores the Jewish and Gypsy traditions of Andalusia, Spain. With fiery Flamenco and Sephardic Jewish music, dance and fascinating story telling the Ensemble delve deep into the region's cultural heart and celebrate its beat. The sublime and stirring guest gypsy flamenco artists evoke Andalusia in the Middle Ages and with the Ensemble explore a vision for 21st century as a time for reconciliation between Spain and its past, while promoting dialogue with Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities worldwide. |
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3: Seeker Of Truth The Yuval Ron Ensemble performs the ecstatic music of the mystical Sufi traditions of Middle East and Pakistan with the Whirling Dervish Aziz. The concert features the magnificent vocals of Najwa Gibran — acknowledged as one of the finest female Arabic singers living in the West — and special guest Sukhawat Ali Khan, a master qawwali (devotional) singer from Pakistan. A pioneering endeavor in bringing together the Middle Eastern and South Asian vocal and musical traditions into a new exhilarating trance-induced accord. |
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4: The Legend of the Baal Shem A concert of devotional music and mystical story telling. From the Hassidic tradition, a Kabalistic influenced story about having children, the magic of prayer and finding true love! In the 18th century, the Baal Shem Tov founded the Hassidic movement and is considered one of the great mystic sages of all time. This is one of his most magical & beautiful stories! The concert features Klezmer music along with devotional music from the Middle East and a guest dancer. |
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5: The Music of the Bedouins Stories and songs from the Bedouins tribes of Sinai desert (Egypt) and the Negev desert (Israel). The concert includes field recordings done in the desert dunes, stories of travels with the Bedouins and a discussion of their relationship with women, nature and with the Israelis and Egyptians who control their tribal land. In addition to Bedouin music, the program includes Jewish and Arabic songs influenced by the Bedouins folk songs. |
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Video Clips |
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