Iris and Ofer Portugali and the Gospel Choir will present original interpretations of The Beatles' love songs at the festival's festive opening performance. The arrangements are unique, the singing is moving, and the participation is international. A rich musical experience that connects cultures and messages of love and hope.
**All You Need Is Love: The Great Love Songs of The Beatles**
At the festive and emotional opening show of the festival, Iris and Ofer Portugaly and the Gospel Choir present original and captivating interpretations of The Beatles' great love songs. These unique and new arrangements for the festival blend the legendary band's melodic magic with the power, soul, and energy of gospel music. The show features classic songs such as "All You Need Is Love," "My Sweet Lord," "Let It Be," "With a Little Help from My Friends," "Eleanor Rigby," and more beloved tunes that have become the soundtrack for generations.
The unique arrangements by pianist and arranger Ofer Portugaly, the moving performances by Iris Portugaly and the Gospel Choir, and the international collaboration with singer Diana Hajiyeva Dihaj from Azerbaijan and Austrian guitarist John Arman promise a rich, uplifting, and love-filled musical experience, connecting cultures, styles, and audiences. This show is dedicated to the unifying power of music and the universal message of love, hope, and humanity—a message that The Beatles expressed better than anyone else.
**Gospel Choir**
Gospel music was born amid the struggles for freedom and liberation of the African-American community in the U.S.—a voice singing from pain yet always choosing hope. Led by Iris and Ofer Portugaly, the Gospel Choir began its journey at the "Red Sea Jazz Festival" in 2001. Since then, they have collaborated with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, recorded two live albums "Gospel Jazz Live" and "Adon Haslichot," and hosted top Israeli artists.
This exhilarating and emotional show presents the harmony of choral singing and the engaging rhythms of gospel music, lovingly offering audiences its universal messages of optimism, faith, hope, and love for humankind. It is an exciting, empowering, and participatory experience, where the audience becomes an integral part of the music—together forming one great choir.
**Participants:**
- Ofer Portugaly: Piano, Arrangements, and Musical Direction
- Shay Portugaly: Keyboards/Vocals
- Guy Portugaly: Bass
- Iris Portugaly: Drums/Vocals
- Gospel Choir: Chen Yamin, Liora Gonzalez, Vered Ovadia Banai, Keren Paz, Ofer Lazar-Cohen, Amit Deitshman, Idan Sasson
**Guest Artists:**
- Dihaj (Diana Hajiyeva) (Azerbaijan): Vocals
- John Arman (Austria): Guitar
Photos by Ronen Akerman, Artyom Vindriyevsky, Rainer Rygalik, Gur Lang, Ofir Gefkovich, Shots USA, Ariel Bashor, Ofer Portugaly, Tomer Maya.
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*Tickets can be canceled within 14 days from the transaction date, provided the cancellation is done at least seven non-rest days before the show date, subject to a cancellation fee of 5% of the transaction amount or 100 shekels, whichever is lower.
*The right to make changes is reserved. The event will be held in accordance with instructions from the Ministry of Defense.