Since its inauguration in 2002 by Youth and Music Israel, the Arab-Jewish Youth Orchestra (AJYO) consists of 24 young musicians, aged 15 to 28, 12 Arabs and 12 Jews, coming from various parts of Israel. Music Director is Prof. Taiseer Elias, Head of Eastern Music Department at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and renown in Israel and abroad for his deep knowledge and artistic skills in regard to Arabic music.
The repertoire is based on a mixture of East and West, reflected also in the instruments, ranging from the Oud and Kanoon up to the Cello and Violin. A new sound and a new music are thus created, developing a repertoire of newly composed or arranged works, both original as well as works taken from Oriental Arabic or Jewish traditions. Concerts are performed throughout Israel, in Jewish as well as Arab locations. In addition to that, AJYO has performed on 5 European concert tours.
In 7 years of its existence the orchestra has proven to be a real success, both musically and socially. It has succeeded in developing a new kind of music, which combines the Arab, Jewish and western cultures. The young musicians travel great distances to participate in rehearsals and performances, and when on stage they prove to the audience that harmony and coexistence are in fact possible.