Grammy Nominated Mandolin Player Avi Avital

What does Avi Avital have in common with Lady Gaga, Eminen and Katy Perry? They've all been nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award in the United States. The mandolin virtuoso makes history as the first mandolinist and first Israeli to be nominated in the classical music category. His performance on the new CD from fellow Israeli musician Avner Dorman's Concertos for Mandolin, Piccolo, Piano and Concert Grosso has earned him new found fame. In this exclusive interview with Israel Beat, Avital talks about the award, and his connection to Jewish music.

Plus, Jewish classical composer Ernest Bloch and the striking and frank essay on Jewish identity Why I Am a Jew by Edmond Fleg.

To download click here: http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Radio/News.aspx/2879

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