Dorot Presents: The History of HaTikvah

with Charles Solomon

Tuesday, March 24, 11:00 am

With the Israeli holidays (Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut) right around the corner, join Dorot for a special presentation on the history of Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah”, tracing its 600-year musical journey across Europe to finally becoming the melody and text we now know as Israel’s national anthem.

Together with presenter Charles Solomon (bio below), we will explore the question: What are the origins of the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah” – The Hope?

It is usually assumed that the melody was based on the six symphonic poems “Ma Vlast” (including “Die Moldau”) by the Czech composer, Bedřich Smetana. But according to Israeli musicologist, musician and educator, Astrit Baltsan, that is only part of the story. Hatikvah is not just one tune or melody, and did not come from just one country or time in history. Instead, according to Baltsan’s book on Hatikvah, the music is a mix of tunes from different times and places and says something about the history of the Jewish people. Baltsan traces the story of Hatikvah and its 600-year journey across Europe until it was finally used as the basis of Israel’s national anthem.

This event is $15/member and $18/member.

REGISTER HERE to attend in-person or virtual.

Lunch catered by Holy Grounds following the presentation, with regular Games beginning at 12:45 pm in our Schwartz/Reisman Atrium.

We look forward to you joining us!

The Dorot program is generously sponsored by a gift from the Estate of Saundra and Henry Sherman.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER – CHARLES SOLOMON

Charles Solomon, a music program producer who worked for the Israel Broadcasting Authority, later transitioned to the international music industry in Israel and Canada, and now volunteers at Baycrest, facilitating several weekly music appreciation groups both in person and online.