Smadar Levi
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Smadar Levi grew up in Sderot, Israel, and performed music throughout her high school years. After two years of army service, and a year of traveling in Europe as an assist to an opera singer, Smadar moved to New York and began taking acting classes at Musical Theater Works School in Manhattan.
Smadar acted in various theater and film productions in both Los Angeles and New York. In 2000, Smadar decided to shift her focus from acting to music. It was then that she met Mr. Rashid Halial, a violinist and a singer from Morocco; together they formed a Moroccan trio and performed around the New York area. At one of the trio’s concerts, Smadar met music producer ZEB from "Organic Groove," who hired her to sing on various tracks for the record "The Spy from Cairo."
In 2003, Smadar recorder her debut album with producer/pianist Shai Bachar (Alabina and Greg wall). The record featured a blend of original and traditional material, sang in Hebrew, Arabic, and Ladino. It was also during this time that she recorded and performed with Yoel ben Simhon and the "Sultana Ensemble"; a group that represents a unique blend of Judeo-Arabic music.
By 2004, Smadar formed her own seven-piece band. This group consisted of musicians from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco, and Palestine. Since then, Smadar has performed extensively with this lineup - including a memorable and much lauded concert in Israel.
Smadar has also performed in several special events, including a fundraiser for the internationally renown nonprofit organization Seeds of Peace. At this gala, Smadar, who played along with three-time Grammy winner John Legend, was awarded by the organization a prize for “uniting world cultures through music to achieve peace.” In addition, Smadar has also played for The New Israel fund Organization, and The Interfaith Center Award Ceremony along with the Iranian singer Sussan Deyhim, honoring the late Ossie Davis and other honorees.
After traveling and performing with local Gypsy musicians in Romania, Spain, and Turkey, Smadar was inspired to infuse her music with a Gypsy sound. Today, she performs with her seven-piece band, composed of professional musicians from the world over. Their theme and style is traditional and original Mediterranean music in Arabic, Hebrew, Ladino, and Greek.
Smadar is currently working on her second album which will feature original material, as well as creative renditions of traditional songs.
External links
- [Smadar Levi Website]
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