Hassadna’s orchestras and ensembles are the living expression of the Conservatory’s vision — creating a shared, open, and inclusive musical home for every child.
The orchestra reflects the unique human tapestry of the Conservatory: students from diverse cultural, religious, and social backgrounds all come together to make music as one. We believe that playing together is a powerful educational tool — fostering connection, partnership, attentive listening, patience, and collaboration. Through music, we learn to embrace the joy of our differences and celebrate what unites us.
Placement in the orchestras and ensembles is guided by the Conservatory staff, with dedicated support throughout a multi-year journey. From the earliest stages through advanced levels, our students embark on a unique musical path — benefiting from personal guidance, ongoing challenges, a strong sense of belonging, and inspiring milestones of growth and excitement. Each stage of the journey is carefully designed, with attention to the personal and artistic development of every student.
Click on the different tabs to read more about our orchestra and ensembles!
Senior String Orchestra
Conductor: Michael Gaisler
The Senior String Orchestra of Hassadna Conservatory is recognized as one of Israel’s leading youth orchestras. It brings together about 25 advanced string players, specializing in the performance of a rich and challenging repertoire. Participation in the orchestra nurtures musical excellence, teamwork, and artistic discipline.
The orchestra performs regularly in festive concerts across the country. Highlights include a live national radio broadcast featuring the premiere of an Israeli composition, a concert tour in London, participating in an international festival in Vienna, and a special joint performance with the school orchestra at the Yehudi Menuhin School.
First Prize at the SCL International Festival in Vienna!
A Moment of Pride
In the summer of 2018, the Hassadna Conservatory String Orchestra won First Prize at the prestigious Summa Cum Laude International Festival in Vienna, Austria!
The orchestra members were deeply moved to perform on the stage of Vienna’s renowned Musikverein. With a diverse classical repertoire, the orchestra impressed the jury to an exceptional degree and concluded its performance with a piece composed especially for the occasion by Dr. Oleg Bogod.
The work, entitled “Yerushalayim de Lita”, was written in memory of the Jewish community of Vilna – once considered the spiritual center of Jewish life in Eastern Europe, and completely destroyed in the Holocaust. Dr. Bogod, born in Lithuania and later immigrating to Israel, made Jerusalem his home and dedicated this piece to commemorate that tragedy in human history.
Hear Us Live!
Want to hear our orchestra in concert?
Stay tuned here for the String Department’s end-of-year concert at Hassadna Conservatory – and come enjoy the music!
Watch the combined performance of all the String Department’s orchestras and ensembles at the end-of-year concert, YMCA Hall, June 2025
Junior String Orchestra
Conductor: Etien Meneri
The Junior Orchestra is a welcoming first step into orchestral life for young string players. Here, students learn to play together, listen to one another, and experience the joy of making music as a team.
It is the perfect place to spark a lifelong love of playing and creating music collaboratively from an early age.
From Rehearsal to the Stage!
The Junior Orchestra performs regularly at Ministry of Education orchestral conferences as well as at Hassadna’s festive concerts.
Performing as part of an orchestra is an exciting moment where months of teamwork come to life in a shared, live performance. For the students, it’s not only a musical experience but also a formative one – building confidence, a sense of belonging, and pride in their collective achievement.
Watch the orchestra’s performance at the String Department’s end-of-year concert at the YMCA Hall, June 2025.
We hope you enjoy!
Hear Us Live!
Want to hear our orchestra in concert?
Stay tuned here for the String Department’s end-of-year concert at Hassadna Conservatory — and come enjoy the music!
Young String Ensembles
Alongside the orchestras, the String Department offers dedicated ensembles for beginner violinists and cellists. These ensembles provide a supportive and encouraging learning environment, fostering personal and musical growth from the very first stages.
Led by Hassadna Conservatory teachers, the ensembles combine varied rehearsals, social activities, and plenty of joy and inspiration. They nurture a sense of achievement, happiness, and motivation, while serving as an important step toward joining the Conservatory’s orchestras later on.
At the end of the year, the ensembles perform in the String Department’s festive concert – a musical celebration of their journey and growth, leaving everyone eager for more!
Violin Ensemble
The Beginner Violin Ensemble offers young students their first experience of playing together. It provides a positive group environment that strengthens fundamental violin skills, listening, and the joy of participation.
Under the guidance of Hassadna Conservatory teachers, the ensemble creates a supportive and inspiring space where every student feels included — learning, exploring, succeeding, and having fun.
Watch the ensemble perform at the String Department’s festive end-of-year concert, YMCA Hall, June 2025.
We hope you enjoy! 🙂
Cello Ensemble
The Beginner Cello Ensemble offers a unique group-playing experience, tailored to the warm, rich sound of the cello. Within the ensemble, students develop rhythm, listening, and teamwork skills, while discovering the harmonic richness of a young cellists’ group.
Led by Hassadna Conservatory teachers, the ensemble fosters a sense of belonging, personal growth, and musical joy – from the very first notes.
Watch the ensemble perform at the String Department’s festive end-of-year concert, YMCA Hall, June 2025.
We hope you enjoy! 🙂
Hear Us Live!
Want to hear our ensembles in concert?
Stay tuned here for the String Department’s end-of-year concert at Hassadna Conservatory — and come enjoy the music!
Senior Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Sagit Mazuz
Artistic Director: Ronit Berman
Hassadna’s Senior Wind Orchestra is one of Israel’s leading youth wind ensembles. Comprising around 50 advanced high school musicians, the orchestra meets regularly throughout the year for weekly rehearsals, in-depth professional guidance, and a rich, diverse, and challenging wind repertoire.
The orchestra has performed on some of the country’s most important stages, including the Jerusalem Theater, national festivals, Ministry of Education orchestral gatherings, and Hassadna Conservatory’s special events. It is also an award-winning ensemble, having received first prizes at international festivals.
Beyond musical excellence, the orchestra is a vibrant social community — a place where young musicians meet, grow, create, and share the joy of making music together.
Pride and Achievement
We are so proud of our Senior Orchestras, which have won multiple first-place awards at international festivals over the years!
Keep scrolling, reading, and listening! 🙂
July 2022
First Place at the SCL Festival in Vienna!
In July 2022, the Hassadna Conservatory Wind Orchestra traveled to Vienna, Austria, to participate in the prestigious Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival — and won First Prize! It was a moment of great joy and pride to represent Israel and the city of Jerusalem on the stage of the Musikverein, one of the world’s most renowned concert halls.
Our 58 musicians prepared for the competition with extraordinary dedication, and their moving performance captivated everyone from the very first note to the last — as the judges commented: “The Jerusalem Orchestra enchanted the audience from beginning to end.”
The orchestra’s musical program featured works of the highest caliber, culminating in a spectacular world premiere of “Old City Fairytales”, composed especially for the event by our conductor and teacher, Oleg Bogod. The piece captures the rich and unique colors of Jerusalem, concluding with the deep, resonant sound of shofar blasts that touched everyone’s hearts.
For the first time in the history of the Musikverein, shofar blasts were heard in this magnificent hall – the home of the Vienna Philharmonic. It was an unforgettable moment for every member of the orchestra and our community.
July 2016
First Place at the SCL Festival in Vienna
In the summer of 2016, the Hassadna Conservatory Wind Orchestra won First Prize at the Summa Cum Laude International Festival in Vienna, Austria. At the festival, they performed a piece composed for the orchestra by Dr. Oleg Bogod — “Nigunim Nigudim” (Melodies of Contrasts).
Watch the orchestra perform this special composition during the 40th-anniversary celebrations of the Conservatory at the Henry Crown Hall in the Jerusalem Theater!
First Prize at Carnegie Hall, New York
February 2014
In its early years, the Hassadna Conservatory Wind Orchestra achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning First Prize at the New York Wind Band Festival, performed on the iconic stage of Carnegie Hall in New York!
This victory was an exciting and inspiring breakthrough for the young musicians, demonstrating that dedication, perseverance, and talent lead to great achievements — and marking just the beginning of their remarkable musical journey.
Junior Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Sagit Mazuz
The Hassadna Conservatory Junior Wind Orchestra brings together around 40 talented students, ranging from middle to high school. The orchestra provides a cohesive and high-quality ensemble experience for young musicians who have already gained significant experience, both in individual playing and in orchestral collaboration.
Excellence, Depth, Harmony
The orchestra’s musical program combines a rich and challenging repertoire, full ensemble rehearsals, and sectional rehearsals in small groups with the Conservatory’s top teachers. This approach allows each student to develop, refine, and deepen their musical and technical understanding.
Throughout the year, the orchestra performs at the Conservatory’s festive end-of-year concert and at national orchestral conferences organized by the Ministry of Education — highlighting moments of shared achievement and great pride.
A Journey in Music and Friendship
The orchestra creates a warm, supportive, and connected community. Students come from diverse backgrounds but share a common love for music — and within the orchestra, friendships, a sense of belonging, and camaraderie flourish.
Shared trips, concerts, rehearsals, and workshops provide meaningful experiences that stay with the participants long after rehearsal hours end.
Hear Us Live!
Want to hear our orchestra in concert?
Stay tuned here for the Wind Department’s end-of-year concert – and come enjoy the music!
Young Wind Orchestra
Conductor: Sagit Mazuz
Led by Sagit Mazuz, the Hassadna Young Orchestra brings together around 50 young students aged 10–13. The orchestra serves as a first musical “home” for these students at the beginning of their musical journey. It provides an important first opportunity to experience playing together in a professional orchestral setting, working as a team under the conductor’s guidance, and performing on a variety of stages.
The Orchestral Journey Begins Here!
The Young Orchestra is wind students’ first introduction to the world of orchestral music: listening to one another, working as a team, taking responsibility within a larger ensemble, and experiencing the powerful joy of making music together with their peers. This experience leaves a lasting impression, creating a sense of meaning and motivation that accompanies students throughout their years at the Conservatory.
At this crucial stage in their development, the orchestra provides fertile ground for strengthening each student’s connection to their instrument, fostering a love of music, and building the musical and personal foundations that will enable them to grow and progress.
A Young Orchestra, A Big Experience
The orchestra’s work combines supportive group rehearsals with a diverse repertoire tailored to the students’ age and developmental stage, while also being challenging and inspiring.
Through this process, children gradually deepen their technical and musical skills, understand their role within the ensemble, and experience the satisfaction and pride that comes from personal growth within a cohesive group.
Making Music, Making Friends
The connections formed among young musicians create a warm musical community — a place where they feel a sense of belonging, build self-confidence, and enjoy meaningful experiences that stay with them throughout their musical and personal journey.
School Collaborations Orchestras
Hassadna Conservatory runs music programs in three schools across Jerusalem: Adam School, with which we share a building; Yehuda Halevi School, just across the street; and Janusz Korczak School in the French Hill. Click here for more information about the programs.
Each school hosts its own school orchestra, led by the Conservatory’s teaching staff. These orchestras form the heart of the school’s musical life, and participation is a highlight filled with joy, excitement, and pride. Through rehearsals and performances, students learn to listen, collaborate, persevere — and experience the thrill of creating music together.
For both the Conservatory and the schools, the orchestras are a particularly inspiring ensemble, symbolizing the strength of the educational and artistic partnership built over the years. Over time, students from the school programs naturally progress into the Conservatory’s orchestras and other activities — a joyful continuation within our musical community.
Adam School Orchestra
The Conservatory runs a string program at Adam School, centered around a school orchestra that is an integral part of the school community. The orchestra provides a space for collaboration, creativity, and connection, allowing students to experience ensemble playing, develop musical and social skills, and actively participate in the cultural life of both the school and the Conservatory.
Watch the orchestra perform at the String Department’s festive end-of-year concert, YMCA Hall, June 2025! 🙂
Janusz Korczak School Orchestra
At Janusz Korczak School in the French Hill, a wind orchestra for grades 4–6 is led by the Hassadna Conservatory teaching team. The orchestra provides students with an exciting and empowering group-playing experience as part of their regular school routine. Through patient, creative, and collaborative work, children learn to express themselves through sound, rhythm, and breath – creating joyful, proud, and meaningful music together.
Watch the orchestra perform at the Wind Department’s festive end-of-year concert, Wise Auditorium, June 2023! 🙂
Yehuda Halevi School Orchestra
The Conservatory runs a string program at Yehuda Halevi School, centered around a school orchestra that is fully integrated into the life of the school. The orchestra promotes ensemble playing, self-discipline, and a sense of belonging, allowing students to express themselves through music, develop artistic skills, and engage in collaborative creation as part of their daily school experience.
Watch the orchestra perform at the String Department’s festive end-of-year concert, YMCA Hall, June 2025! 🙂
Chamber Music
Chamber ensembles represent the pinnacle of musical achievement for advanced students at Hassadna Conservatory. Chamber music — derived from the word “camera” (room) — was born in intimate gatherings of musicians, and it still retains its small-scale, attentive, and personal character.
Playing in a chamber ensemble develops listening skills, focus, sensitivity, and teamwork, while offering students the opportunity to specialize in a rich and particularly inspiring musical repertoire.
Watch us further down the page!
A Variety of Ensembles
At Hassadna Conservatory, ensembles are tailored to individual students with advanced playing experience and skill levels.
Our ensembles include string quartets, wind quintets, piano trios, vocal ensembles, recorder and Baroque groups, saxophone ensembles, piano duets and larger groups (four, six, or eight hands), percussion ensembles, and more.
Throughout the year, these ensembles perform at festive concerts, including national musical conferences organized by the Ministry of Education.
Building Bonds, Making Music
In our ensembles, music creates a unique meeting point for children of different backgrounds, ages, and instruments – a gathering that bridges gaps, fosters genuine connections, and allows every student to express themselves and find their place within a shared harmony.
Come hear us live!
Want to hear our ensembles in concert?
Stay updated here on the Conservatory’s various concerts – and come enjoy the music!
Choirs
The Conservatory runs four choirs for children and teenagers, catering to different ages and skill levels. The choirs are open to anyone who loves to sing – no prior experience is required, just a passion for music and a willingness to participate.
Throughout the year, participants practice healthy vocal techniques, multi-part singing, active listening, and performing for an audience – all in a warm, professional, and supportive environment. The choirs perform at the Conservatory’s celebratory events and in a variety of exciting musical opportunities, from local concerts to large-scale collaborations.
'Sounds of Hassadna' Choirs conducted by Hilma Digilov
Piano Accompanist: Marina Shaevich
The Conservatory runs two wonderful choirs led by Hilma Digilov – one of the country’s leading voice teachers and choir conductors. The choirs operate with dedication and high musical standards, holding weekly rehearsals that provide students with a rich and in-depth musical framework, alongside a fun and engaging group experience.
- The junior choir is designed for elementary school students, offering them their first experience with multi-part singing, healthy vocal technique, and musical collaboration.
- The senior choir is open to middle and high school students and features a diverse repertoire with advanced vocal training.
Participation in the choirs is open to anyone who loves to sing and wants to develop their voice, confidence, and joy — all within a supportive and creative group.
Watch Sounds of Hassadna choirs perform at the Ministry of Education’s National Choir Conference, 2025! 🙂
Choirs Conducted by Ayelet Carmon
Piano Accompanist: Andre Galeri
The Conservatory runs two choirs – a junior and a senior choir – led by Ayelet Carmon, a musician and voice teacher known for her sensitive, creative, and professional approach. The choirs meet once a week in a warm and supportive environment, and are especially suited for children and young students who want to explore the world of group singing.
The focus is on a positive experience, building confidence, the joy of singing, and learning vocal techniques – all through play, movement, creativity, and group singing. Participation is open to anyone who loves to sing and wants to discover their voice, even without prior experience.
In 2025, Ayelet’s senior choir took part in an exciting project: recording a song with singer-songwriter Hanan Yovel for Hebrew Language Day. The experience included collaborative work and a professional recording – an unforgettable musical adventure!
Jazz Pop Rock Ensembles
The Conservatory runs several jazz, pop, and rock ensembles, tailored to students’ style, age, and skill level. Led by top teachers in the field, these ensembles provide a unique, high-quality, and joyful musical experience.
They offer advanced students the chance to work in a group setting, develop instrumental skills, listening, and improvisation, and experience the thrill of making music together both on stage and off.
Throughout the year, the ensembles perform in a variety of events, culminating in the annual highlight — the end-of-year Jazz-Pop-Rock concert at The Yellow Submarine!
Music, Community, and Inspiration
Beyond the musical work itself, the ensembles create a warm and connected community of diverse students. Collaborative playing, attentive listening, and group creativity build deep bonds that bridge backgrounds – allowing students to grow together, not just as musicians, but as friends.
There’s something special that happens when rhythm, harmony, and energy come together – connections that continue to resonate long after rehearsal ends.
Come Hear Us Live!
Want to hear our ensembles in concert?
Stay updated here and on our social media for the Conservatory’s concerts — and come enjoy the music! 🙂