As part of its collaboration with Bouquet Kyiv Stage, the Israeli Embassy in Ukraine invited the Yogev Shetrit Jazz Trio to take part in this art festival. The music of Yogev Shetrit — יוגב שטרית combines original compositions that elegantly combine traditional North African music, Andalusian motifs of his Moroccan origin, modern jazz and Mediterranean elements.
The Bouquet Kyiv Stage 2024 festival took place on the territory of the Saint Sophia Museum in Kyiv from August 15 to 20.
The concert was opened by Deputy Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Liron Finkelstein. She thanked the artists and organizers of the festival, noting that this event has special significance for the embassy. Despite the challenges associated with wars in both countries, Yogev and his team found the inspiration and dedication to come to Ukraine and perform on the main stage of the festival.
“…We pray for peace in Ukraine and Israel, we will win and we will restore!” added diplomat.
The Yogev Shetrit Duo consists of composer and drummer Yogev Shetrit and pianist David Shetrit. In an interview for Kyiv Daily They talked about the compositions they presented on August 17 on the main stage of the Bouquet Kyiv Stage festival, and also shared their musical preferences. Yogev and David discussed the music they would perform that evening, the music they themselves loved, talked about jazz and a little about the war.
When asked about his favorite style of jazz, Yogev noted that he likes all of the above styles – ethno, free, swing, bebop, adding: “I love traditional music from many cultures… but I don’t have a preference and am always open to new things.” When not jazz, Yogev recalls playing with the famous Israeli band Coolooloosh, performing funk, hip-hop, drum and bass, and oriental music, emphasizing the diversity of musical styles in Israel. Yogev also noted that he is familiar with Ukrainian folk music and mentioned Okean Elzy, calling them “very cool and very famous.”
Yogev said his musical tastes were influenced by his mother, who loved Moroccan rhythms and often played music at home. David, in turn, noted that his father, a well-known Israeli politician, also had an influence, being an expert in Moroccan Jewish music. He added that his father knows songs that are 300-400 years old, and when Yogev hears them, he is inspired.
When Yogev was about 10-11 years old, he began playing drums, although he first tried the piano and flute. David, in turn, noted that his love for jazz arose after meeting a Ukrainian teacher when he was 15. He emphasized that studying at The New School in New York was a significant stage in his musical career.
When asked about the choice of repertoire for the tour, Yogev explained that they usually play compositions from their third album, but take into account the peculiarities of performing as a duet. David added that Yogev feels the audience and can change compositions depending on the reaction of the hall.
Yogev noted the importance of performing at the festival in Ukraine, stating that it was “a great honor” for them. The program for the evening was chosen with positive melodies to support and encourage listeners who are stressed due to the war in both Israel and Ukraine. He confirmed that their 2024 single “Hopes” will be performed at the concert.
In 2024, Bouquet Kyiv Stage continues its tradition of bringing together various art forms, attracting the attention of both Ukrainian and international audiences. This year, the festival once again took place on the premises of the Sophia Kyivska Museum in Kyiv, offering a rich program including concerts, theater performances, exhibitions, and other cultural events.
One of the highlights was the participation of the Israeli jazz duo Yogev Shetrit Duo, who performed on the main stage of the festival. The festival remains an important platform for cultural exchange and creative experimentation, despite the difficult conditions associated with the current situation in Ukraine.
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