A Platform for Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
ABOUT
Faran Ensemble is a three-player group who joined each other in a spiritual quest, expressed in music and sounds. It has been years now that these players have deeply engaged themselves in studying the musical instruments and the theory of music with the best teachers in the country and abroad. The instruments played originate from esoteric and ancient traditions of the East.

KAMANCHE is an ancient musical instrument whose origins are rooted in the Persian civilization. OUD, one of the most ancient string instruments, is found anywhere it is customary to have very strong and dark tea in a small cup. The Percussion, which has been in use since the first human heartbeat.

The ensemble members grew up and come from different places, backgrounds, and sceneries. From the very dry desert to the luscious green through the hectic noisy city sounds. The composed works reflect all of these as they were composed together by the trio members.

Both the composition works and the musicians are deeply influenced by the Eastern musical system called 'Maqam'. Maqam in translation means all at once a physical place in the musical scale, the fingers' placing on the strings, and the melody which expresses this. But more than that, 'Maqam' refers to a meditative place. A state that the player must attend so the music will be played as it should be.

In ancient cultures, each Maqam has its own particular hour in the day, season, and a specific ceremonial connection.

Faran is a dry desert wadi, which fills with water and life only in rainy winters; and in the hot season, otherwise silent. It crosses Israel on its way from Sinai, ignoring all borders.

Music for us is a journey.

Join us.

Faran Ensemble are:

Roy Smila - Kamancha

Gad Tidhar - Oud

Refael Ben Zichry - Percussion