Time for prayer

Nazareth’s Liturgical Festival to go ahead, shorter than usual

Annual Christmas event to be held despite war; music is the basis for an improved, harmonious life, says festival founder

Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

Violinist Nabil Abboud Ashkar pushes forward with fifth annual Nazareth's Liturgical Festival, December 14-16, 2023 (Courtesy Yoel Levy)
Violinist Nabil Abboud Ashkar pushes forward with fifth annual Nazareth's Liturgical Festival, December 14-16, 2023 (Courtesy Yoel Levy)

Nazareth’s fifth Liturgical Festival will take place this year, December 14-16, in wartime — but will be shorter than usual.

“The terrible events of October 7 and the tragic events that came after have left us without words,” said violinist Nabil Abboud Ashkar, who founded the festival, in 2019, and Nazareth’s Polyphony conservatory.

Abboud Ashkar said the conservatory and festival pushed forward with the concerts and educational work that sees music as the basis for an improved, harmonious life from a place of partnership and empathy.

“The alternative isn’t an option,” he said.

The three days of Christmas season concerts will host musical guests from abroad, including soprano Nour Darwish, along with local Arab and Jewish musicians, all performing at Nazareth’s Salesian Church which is marking its 100th year.

Ticket prices have been lowered to NIS 100 in light of the war and all evacuees from communities in the south and north will receive discounts.

Tickets are available at the GoShow site.

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