Oud across the world, and back: The 27th annual Jerusalem International Oud Festival kicks off

The 27th annual Jerusalem International Oud Festival runs November 5-12, 2026, opening with Dudu Tassa and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood at the Jerusalem Theatre. Artistic director Effie Benaya programs Greek singers, Indian classical trio Triveni, and a dance production. The festival began in 2000 as a two-day event and now draws a broad demographic.

The 27th annual Jerusalem International Oud Festival, running November 5-12, 2026, opens with a headline concert featuring Israeli rocker Dudu Tassa and Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood at the Jerusalem Theatre. Artistic director Effie Benaya has programmed a diverse lineup that includes Greek singers Babis Tsertos and Areti Ketime performing rebetiko and Smyrneika music, the Indian classical trio Triveni with bansuri player Rakesh Chaurasia, sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee, and tabla player Ojas Adhiya, and a dance production by choreographer Orly Portal inspired by Farid al-Atrash. The festival, which began in 2000 as a modest two-day event at Confederation House, has grown significantly in scope and audience demographic, now attracting second and third generation Israelis as well as Ashkenazi audiences. Benaya added a second Tassa-Greenwood concert due to high demand. The article profiles Chatterjee's eclectic musical philosophy, describing his journey from strict adherence to raga tradition to embracing diverse musical idioms.