50 Years of Music at Hassadna
Hassadna Jerusalem Music Conservatory is one of Israel’s leading music education institutions. Founded in 1973 by Jerusalem pianist and educator Amalia Ravel, Hassadna is a vibrant musical community where students of all backgrounds can dream big and grow. It’s a place where outstanding musical training goes hand in hand with a warm, inclusive, and inspiring environment.
How it all began
It all began with a woman and a vision.
We are here thanks to Amalia Re’uel, the founder of Hassadna, who returned from the United States convinced that there was a need for a different, additional conservatory in Jerusalem. She dreamed of establishing an institution for music education at the highest level. And so, with great passion, wisdom, and dedication to her idea, in October 1973 – just one month after the Yom Kippur War – the seed was planted.
With determination and creativity, the idea took root and grew into a reality in Jerusalem’s music education world, and in time, across the entire country.
Amalia created the concept of a “home” – the home of Hassadna Conservatory. In her vision, she saw a harmonious blend of children from diverse backgrounds, different religions, and varied social classes. She envisioned the unique human mosaic of Jerusalem coming together as one, all through the power of music.
When Amalia stepped down, she passed the baton to Lena Nemirovsky. We are so proud to carry out Amalia’s vision each and every day.
Our Values
Equality and Integration
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the magic of music and to receive a music education of the highest quality.
Achieving One’s Potential
We are committed to helping each of our students realize their full potential.
Striving for High Quality Music Education
Individualized instruction with dedicated and inspiring teachers, participation in leading orchestras and ensembles, and performances in moving, unforgettable concerts.
Leadership
Lena Nemirovsky Wiskind
Executive Director, accomplished pianist, graduate of Tel Aviv University Musicology Department.
Ronit Berman
Artistic Director, accomplished flutist, graduate of the Conservatoire National Superieur, Paris and Hebrew University, Jerusalem.
Dr. Oleg Bogod
Associate Director, accomplished pianist, Ph.D holder in Performance and Composition from the Bar-Ilan University.
Sagit Mazuz
Director of Hassadna Wind Department, conductor of orchestras. Graduate of Jerusalem Music Academy and The Hebrew University.
Chava Fraenkel
Pedagogical Programs Coordinator, graduate of Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and The Hebrew University.
Becky Taylor
Resource Development Manager, B.M from the University of Miami and M.A. in Sociology from Tel Aviv University
Teaching Faculty
The teaching staff at Hassadna Conservatory includes over 100 leading musicians, soloists, and orchestra players in Israel. Under their dedicated guidance, our talented students receive the tools for excellence and often earn international awards and titles.
Students
About 700 students aged 3 to 18 study at the Conservatory, coming from all walks of Israeli society. Religious and secular, new immigrants from around the world, at-risk youth, children with special needs, and families from every social background — Hassadna truly feels like a home for all.
Studies
At our Conservatory, we offer a comprehensive music education that includes individual instruction, music theory, chamber music, and orchestral performance. We provide our students with opportunities to participate in masterclasses with internationally renowned musicians, and we encourage them to perform in concerts and festivals and to compete in leading competitions in Israel and abroad.
Achievements
A New Home for Hassadna
After nearly 50 years of aspirations, Hassadna’s dream of a home of our own is finally becoming a reality. In partnership with the Jerusalem Foundation, we are excited to announce the construction of the Gerald & Gail Ronson Music Centre.
This new building is set to be the cornerstone of an extraordinary learning experience for Hassadna’s student body for generations to come. Positioned to be one of the most prestigious cultural landmarks in Jerusalem, located on the city’s cultural mile in the German Colony, this new home promises to elevate Hassadna’s status as a beacon of musical excellence and inclusion.
Click here for more information on how you can be a part of this dream come true >
Friends of Hassadna
We are deeply grateful to our global network of Friends of Hassadna, whose generosity and commitment to our vision empower life-changing musical experiences for the children of Jerusalem.
Contributions in many areas – whether towards scholarships, ensembles, enrichment opportunities, and more – make a profound and lasting impact.