Avishai Darash
pianist, composer
Amsterdam-based pianist and composer Avishai Darash blends musical styles from North Africa, American jazz, western classical music and Israeli folk. Inspired at 16 by a jazz concert, he studied under Itai Rosenbaum and earned a Bachelor’s degree at the Jerusalem Academy for Music and Dance. After further refining his skills in New York, he relocated to the Netherlands in 2010 to study at the Conservatorium Van Amsterdam.
Avishai has collaborated extensively with Moroccan oud virtuoso Mohamed Ahaddaf, releasing acclaimed albums such as Spoken Soul (2014) and Seasons (2016). Avishai’s debut album, Impermanence (2015), marked the start of his successful ventures, including Nomadic Treasures (2018) and SAMSKARA (2019). As the former artistic director for the Marmoucha Orchestra, he produced nine studio albums including Sahara Koyo (2022), Modes of Maqamat (2020) and Andalusian Love Song (2022). These albums showcase a diverse ensemble of 18 musicians and have been featured on Jazzism’s top 10 world music albums of 2022.
Avishai’s latest album, “Between Hope and Despair” features his quartet and will be released on March 22nd 2024. The album is an exploration of the human experience set to a soundtrack that aims to resonate with a hungry world seeking solace and peace.
- I’m looking to create long term sustainable relationships which can bring the possibility of touring, meeting new people and bringing my music to a larger audience. I will be touring in some countries this year with my new project (Between Hope and Despair) and I’m looking to extend the tour by creating a larger network of professionals both in the creative and management fields.