The Tivon Israel Chamber Choir was founded in 1974 and today numbers over 40 talented non-professional singers from Kiryat Tivon and nearby communities in the north of Israel.
The Choir’s repertoire includes a wide range of acapella and oratorio oeuvres from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, and Romantic periods, as well as contemporary Israeli and folk songs. We sing in Latin, Hebrew, German, English, French, and Italian—and many members of the Choir fluently speak two or more of these languages!
The Choir regularly performs locally in northern Israel and at festivals and concerts throughout the country. Additionally we have represented Israel in concerts and festivals abroad over the years. Among the Israeli performances are:
Our Philosophy
We believe in the power of music to connect people, cultures, and worlds. Through shared singing and diverse musical creation, we strive to build bridges of understanding, peace, and collaboration, both within the local community and on the international stage.
Our Principles
The choir operates based on values of professionalism, commitment, and mutual respect. We nurture the talents of our singers while emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and musical harmony. In our view, every performance is an opportunity to tell a story and touch the hearts of the audience.
Our Key to Success
Our success is built on three key principles:
1. Musical Excellence – We always strive for the highest level of performance, with an emphasis on precision, emotion, and sound quality.
2. Community and Belonging – The choir is one big family, founded on mutual support and a spirit of friendship.
3. Innovation and Renewal – Alongside a rich tradition, we embrace creativity and openness to new compositions and unique collaborations that continue to enrich our musical world.
The People Behind the Sounds
Dor Magen
Born In Jerusalem. Dor is the musical director and conductor of the Madrigal Ansemble and the Tiv’on chamber choir.
During the years 2019 -2021 Dor was the chief conductor and musical director of the Jerusalem Oratorio choir.
Studied the violin with Rashi Leva’ot Avi Abramovich and Ora Shiran, and trombone with Eli Aharoni and Mitchel ross. Studied Conducting with DR. yevgeny Zirlin and in the jerusalem academy in the classes of Prof. Avner Biron and Prof. Stanley Sperber.
As a conductor, was a member of Meitar ensemble’s Tedarim project. Conducted The ensemble in concert and master classes Under Maestro Pierre Andre Valad. Conducted the premiers of operas by Israel Sharon and Moshe Zorman, And the premiere for the opera ASD By Sarit Shley Zondiner as part of the Israeli Music Festival.
Irit Shuman
Born in Israel, Irit is a graduate of the Rubin Music Academy Tel Aviv in pianist program under the tutelage of Prof. Yonatan Zakh.
She also accomplished with excellence specializing in choral conducting in the Levinsky Tel Aviv college under the supervision of Mrs. Rachel Kokhavi. Irit has accompanied the Tivon Israel Chamber Choir since 1996 and also performs as an accompanying pianist in shows, performances, and rehearsals with other ensembles groups in their performances in Israel and abroad.
Choir Members
Soprano
Orit Fontaine
Orly Brands
Ilana Barshavsky
Irene Simchon
Lili Geffer
Merav Ankor
Mira Kogan
Nurit Hagafni
Amalia Alwah
Rita Ben Aryeh
Raaya Shlomi
Alto
Olga Yorman
Yuka Roded
Moran Simchon
Naomi Dorchin
Tzala Kaminsky
Ruti Shapira
Raaya Cohen
Tchiya Aloni
Tamar Beckner
Tenor
Isidor Shaykovsky
Itzik Harari
Ze'ev Peled
Yigal Geva
Rafi Karni
Bass
Avi Megido
Alon Adir
Boaz Gilboa
Ze'ev Mazor
Yigal Fokker
Naaman Belkind
Tzvika Gafni
Rafi Vaks
Notable Performances Over The Years
The Tivon Israel Chamber Choir has performed internationally over the years, participating in prestigious festivals and collaborations with renowned orchestras and choirs. Some notable performances outside of Israel include:
- Europa Cantata – Several appearances starting from 1991.
- Neustift Festival, Southern Tirol (2002) – Performed Dvořák's Stabat Mater, recorded by Italian Radio.
- Poland (2007) – A series of concerts, including a significant event in Auschwitz, where the choir performed alongside Polish and German choirs.
- Germany and Switzerland (January 2014) – Participated in the International Holocaust Remembrance Day with the Zamir and Oratorio choirs, accompanied by three symphony orchestras. Performed works by composer Yitzhak Tavior in Nuremberg, Hof, and at the UN in Geneva. The performances in Germany and Geneva were televised.
- Helsinki, Finland (August 2015) – Performed with the local Kallio Cantata Choir in a program featuring Lauda Sion (Mendelssohn) and an a cappella repertoire.
- Lewandowski Festival, Berlin (December 2017) – Participated in this prestigious event.
- Germany (April 2018) – Performed Mendelssohn's Elias oratorio in Freiburg and Villingen, collaborating with local soloists and the Kamerata Academica Orchestra of Freiburg.
Collaborations and Repertoire
The choir has performed with esteemed orchestras such as:
- Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
- Israel Chamber Orchestra
- Jerusalem Baroque Orchestra
- Be'er Sheva Symphony Orchestra
- Haifa Symphony Orchestra
- Jerusalem Festival Orchestra
The choir’s repertoire includes opera works such as La Traviata by Verdi and compositions by modern Israeli composers, including Yitzhak Tavior and Yehezkel Braun. Additionally, contemporary Israeli composers Gil Shochat, Dov Carmel, and Eren Dinor have written works specifically for the choir.
More Recent Performances
- 2012 – David Penitente (Mozart) with the Jerusalem Festival Orchestra.
- 2013 – Vesperae solennes de confessore (Mozart) with the Israel Cameri Orchestra, conducted by Yoav Talmi.
- 2014-2015 – Singing Psalms program, featuring classical and modern liturgical works in Latin, Hebrew, English, and German, inspired by the Book of Psalms.
- May 2015 – Hosted the Camerata Academica Symphony Orchestra of Freiburg and choirs from Freiburg, Germany, and Besançon, France, for a series of gala performances in Israel, featuring Stabat Mater (Dvořák).
- August 2015 – Helsinki, Finland – Performed with the Kallio Cantata Choir.
- April 2016 – Messiah (Handel) in multiple performances across northern Israel.
- 2016-2017 – Lights by Sound, a program showcasing movements from famous oratorios for choir and soloists, performed in various venues in Israel.
The Tivon Israel Chamber Choir continues to bring its rich and diverse repertoire to audiences worldwide, upholding a tradition of musical excellence and cultural exchange.
©
2025
Tivon Israel Chamber Choir
