Noam Sheriff: Psalms of Jerusalem

Noam Sheriff (1935-2018) was a pioneering figure in Israeli music, renowned for his versatility as a composer, conductor, educator, and arranger. Born in Tel Aviv, Sheriff's musical journey took him from studying under Paul Ben-Haim in Israel to learning from Boris Blacher in Berlin and Igor Markevitch in Salzburg. His compositions often blended Eastern and Western musical elements, creating a unique and broadly atonal style that captivated audiences worldwide.

Sheriff's impact on Israeli music is immense. He was the first native-born composer to have a work performed by the Israel Philharmonic, and his "Festival Prelude," conducted by Leonard Bernstein, marked a significant milestone in his career. Throughout his six-decade career, he served as the Artistic Director of the Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra and the Music Director of the Israel Rishon LeZion Symphony Orchestra. His educational contributions were equally profound, as he mentored numerous leading musicians and served as a Professor of Composition and Conducting at the Samuel Rubin Academy of Music at Tel Aviv University.

Sheriff's compositions, such as "Mechaye Hametim" (Revival of the Dead) and "Akeda," showcase his innovative approach to music, fusing traditional and modern elements. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work and the countless musicians he inspired, cementing his place as one of Israel's most influential musical figures.