The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra (Hebrew: התזמורת האנדלוסית הישראלית) is a musical ensemble based in Ashdod, Israel.
Originating as a project to honor the heritage of immigrants from the Magreb, the Israeli Andalusian Orchestra was formed in Ashdod in December 1987, as a joint initiative of the liturgical singer and classical conductor Moti Malka and then-mayor Arieh Azulay,[1] both of Moroccan origin.[2] The Orchestra is financed by the Ashdod municipality and the Culture Ministry and has toured Israel, the United States,[3] and several European countries.[1]
The orchestra comprises around 30 musicians and singers, mainly of Tunisian, Moroccan and Russian origin. It features traditional Sephardic Jewish-Arab and Andalusian music and poetry, combining classical Arab-Andalusian and European instruments. The orchestra's artistic director and head conductor is Sivan Albo-Ben Hur.
In 2006, the orchestra was awarded the Israel Prize, for its lifetime achievement and special contribution to society and the State.[4]