Israeli and Greek music mesh in Cyprus concerts on Hanukkah
Amir Benayoun, Cypriot crooner Demetris Souroullas, and Ashdod’s Andalusian Orchestra perform pair of shows in Limassol and Larnaca, with candle-lighting
Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center
Israeli singer Amir Benayoun and Cypriot singer Demetris Souroullas performed with the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra at two Hanukkah shows in Cyprus that mixed Israeli and Greek themes for audiences of Jews, Israelis and Cypriots.
The Ashdod-based orchestra, directed by Elad Levi, performed two concerts, one in Limassol and the other in Larnaca, at the invitation of local Jewish community leaders.
Before each performance, the local rabbi led a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony and danced with the orchestra and audience.
“It was heartwarming — especially at this time when global public opinion is not so pro-Israel — to see the audience getting into the Hanukkah spirit with us,” said Levi. “Dancing with the rabbi of the community during the lighting of the candles — and all this in the heart of the city of Larnaca, without hiding what we were doing.”
Levi added that the orchestra’s visit to Cyprus was made under heavy security provided by the local Jewish community.
Benayoun, known for his contemporary Mizrahi music, performed several of his familiar works with the orchestra, including “Standing in the Gate,” “When You’re Sad,” “Fall Leaves,” “Only You,” “Teacher for Life,” “I Have a Dream,” “Small Celebrations” along with several other hits.
Levi said Benayoun and the Andalusian Orchestra were familiar to the Israelis in the audience but offered something different for the foreigners in the crowd, which in Larnaca included ambassadors from Israel, the US, Germany and France.
The orchestra performed Greek songs with Demetris and finished the concert with the Cypriot and Israeli anthems.
