“Shirat HaMaftirim” is a tradition of singing supplications and hymns to Ottoman melodies among the Jews of Turkey. It began in mystical gatherings before dawn in the 16th century. With the disintegration of the empire and waves of migration, many melodies that had been passed down orally for generations were lost over the years.
The performance “Renew Our Songs as of Old” brings together six Israeli musicians specializing in the Ottoman tradition, in the premiere performance of unknown Maftirim piyyutim reconstructed from old collections of musical notation. These scores, the product of preservation projects undertaken by Maftirim circles in Istanbul about a century ago, traveled in the suitcases of cantors and paytanim and survived in hiding in Israel and abroad. The songs illustrate a shared musical heritage of Jews, Muslims and Christians in the Ottoman sphere. A selection of works from this performance will soon be published for the first time, edited by Prof. Edwin Seroussi and Dr. Yoram Arnon, by the Jewish Music Research Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Featuring:
Niri Sadeh vocals, ney | Yossi Bronfman qanun | Ido Romano tanbur | Mark Kirzhner double bass | Avi Agababa percussion | Yoram Arnon oud, musical direction
Introductory remarks: Prof. Edwin Seroussi
The performance is presented in cooperation with the Jewish Music Research Centre at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and as part of the project “Music, Muslims and Jews”, with the support of the Israel Science Foundation.
Photos:
Mark Kirchner – Photo: PR
Yoram Arnon – Photo: Dancho Arnon
Ido Romano – Photo: Yotam Kormas
Yossi Bronfman – Photo: Raz Bronfman
Niri Sadeh – Photo: Dudi Saad
Avi Agababa – Photo: Nofar Stav Even Or
The International Oud Festival 2026
November 5–12, 2026
