Ezra Aharon

Ezra Aharon (Bhagdad, 1903 – 1990, immigrated to Israel in 1935), an outstanding composer and performer of Arab art music immigrating from Iraq, was known as a radio programmer mostly in the 1950's-1960's, when most musicians considered only Western music as “high art.” Nonetheless, in addition to his many devout listeners among Mizrahi communities (nearing 50% of the Jewish population), many leading composers listened to and appreciated his radio programs, if only to gain ideas for the integration of Mizrahi elements in their own music.

Written by Dr. Ronit Seter