- About Us: In its 26 years, The VOCAL Octet has brought polyphonic a-cappella singing in Israel to a fine art. The ensemble has a fascinating and diverse repertoire, most of which is original arrangements written by its members, some with humorous texts. The differe... moreIn its 26 years, The VOCAL Octet has brought polyphonic a-cappella singing in Israel to a fine art. The ensemble has a fascinating and diverse repertoire, most of which is original arrangements written by its members, some with humorous texts. The different programs also consist of traditional a-cappella arrangements. Among our different programs there are "Misa Criolla" with an authentic South American band; "Le Bouquet de Swing", rich harmonies and jumpy rhythms, well known jazz standards and new arrangements to pop songs; "American Harmony", in which the Israel Chamber Orchestra joins the octet in an American themed program; and our new program, Sgt. Pepper and the Fabulous Four.
The VOCAL Octet has collaborated with Israel’s top musicians, and has performed with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Chamber Orchestra, Israel Borochov & East-West Ensemble, composers Sasha Argov, Yoni Rechter and Menachem Wiesenberg and many others. Many of the octet's arrangements were written by Ron Gang & Raphael Seelig (The VOCAL Octet founder and original music director), but other members of the octet have also contributed. In 2004 Ron Gang took over as the ensemble's music director.
The VOCAL Octet has toured Germany, England, Kenya, India and South Korea. The ensemble was chosen to "voice-over" the Hebrew versions of Walt Disney & Steven Spielberg’s animated movies. The ensemble has regularly participated in the twice-yearly Abu Ghosh festivals, performing there the Israeli premieres of the African “Misa Luba” and Villa-Lobos’ “Bachianas Brasilleiras No. 9” in the original a-cappella version. They have recorded five repertoire CD's and have lent their voices to CD's by other artists. Live a-cappella concerts by the octet were broadcast on the national Classical Music radio channel "Kol Hamusika" and on pianist and conductor Arieh Vardi's TV show, "Intermezzo". In 2010 the Octet performed a Bach-Beatles program with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and was a featured ensemble in Dr. Astrit Baltsan's famous lecture-concert series.
The VOCAL Octet:
Ronit Katz, Michal Senesh-Alkan – soprano
Yasmin Gamliel, Orly Mazor-Yuval – alto
Erez Tal, Ron Gang – tenor
Matan Gover, Doron Dar – bass less - Additional names: שמיניית ווקאל
- Location: Tel Aviv, Israel [map]
- Since: 1986
- Voices: Mixed
- Choir type: Vocal Group
- Genres: Jazz, Pop/Rock, A cappella, Classical
- Website www.8vocal.co.il
- Open to new singers: Currently no
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August 25, 2012 - admin of this choir page is
Orly Mazor Yuval
