Daniel Hoffman

Daniel shares his stage-side perspective on the rich, diverse, and often hilarious Israeli music scene for over twenty years. He has written for Haaretz and the Times of Israel.

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Violinist Daniel Hoffman shares his stage-side perspective on the rich, diverse, and often hilarious Israeli music scene. He has performed with a dizzying array of performers of disparate genres, including Dudu Tassa, The Klezmatics, Ehud Banai, Ute Lemper, and many more. He produced the documentary film, Otherwise It's Just Firewood, and has written for Haaretz and the Times of Israel.

Programs

Klezmer and Kleyzmer: The fascinating and paradoxical world of Israeli klezmer music

Secular Israelis have long rejected klezmer as an overt emotional expression of Ashkenazi musical culture. The strength of that opposition and resistance to anything Yiddish, religious or associated with the Holocaust, can create bizarre, comedic situations. From his stage-side perspective, Daniel explains the complicated situation of the music so beloved in the diaspora, yet maligned in Israel.

Is the Violin Jewish? The case for the world's most versatile musical instrument

As "the" Jewish musical instrument, until the beginning of the 20thC, the violin expresses the heart and soul of Jewish music. However, Irish music is almost impossible without a fiddle. It is also considered an "Indian" instrument in S. India. Daniel takes the audience on a whirlwind tour that shows the incredible versatility of an instrument beloved the world over, from a Jewish perspective.

Firqat Alnoor, the IBA, and Israeli Arabic Music

Firqat Alnoor is a modern Israeli ensemble created in 2013 in the image of the Kol Israel Arab Orchestra (IBA), active from the 1950s to the late 1980’s. Firqat is an artistic and cultural expression of the Israeli mizrahi-religious sector. Its success represents a transformation in Israeli identity and a celebration of classical Arabic and Middle- Eastern Jewish music - by Jewish Israelis.

Monday Nights at Shaffa Bar: A captivating window into the richness of modern Israeli culture

Since 2012, Harel Shachal and the Ottomans, an Israeli band performing Turkish classical and nightclub music, have performed nearly every Monday night at Shaffa Bar in the flea market neighborhood of Jaffa. The place, the people, the music, the food, and the meanings associated with it provide a unique window into the myriad cultural forces currently at play in modern Israel.

I also perform as a violinist/bandleader with various ensembles

As part of a speaking tour, it's also possible to engage me and my ensembles for concerts. I perform with the Kalimutke Philharmonia, (klezmer-gypsy-swing fusion) Black Sea Syndrome,(klezmer and Turkish music) as well as two US-based groups, the Klez-X and Davka. I can also be engaged as a solo performer with a small band of local musicians.

Genres

Music / Concerts

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Articles

Haaretz English Edition 24 April, 2023:

Why Do Israelis Still Hate Klezmer Music?

Times of Israel 1 April, 2023:

Stalked by a Klezmer Tune

Times of Israel 10 January, 2023:

Excellent Adventures at the Mt. Zion Hotel

Interested in booking Daniel Hoffman to speak at your next event? Contact Jewish Speakers Bureau (infREMOVEo@jewREMOVEishspeakerREMOVEsbureau.com), America's only speakers bureau for Jewish-interest speakers, authors, entertainers, and experts.