When paired with a melodic agenda, the word "pastoral" often paints a picture of Julie Andrews spinning and singing merrily with the Austrian mountain range as her backdrop. Well, replace the magnificent Maria with soprano Gillian Keith, the Von Trapp family with the Alon Farber Quintet, and the snow-frosted alps with the picturesque mountains of the Galilee and you've got the "Sounds of Pastoral" weekend series at Pastoral Hotel-Kfar Blum.
For the past 16 years, as the crisp winter air blows in, so do the winds of culture in the form of unique events combining music, literature, poetry, discussion, and even Venetian masks. Alongside a luxurious stay at the upscale kibbutz lodge, which marries the countryside setting with high class rooms, full spa treatments, chef quality dining experiences, and fun activities for the little bit of "free time" squeezed in between it all, you'll come away from an intimate weekend that not only pampers your ears, but your entire body and spirit.
© Kfir Ziv
This month, Pastoral Hotel-Kfar Blum is taking a little trip to Italy, with their very own Venice Mask Festival...and just in time for Israel's most-costumed holiday: Purim. In cooperation with the Israeli Opera, the event (taking place between February 22 and 24) obtains true authenticity from its host: the ambassador of Italy in Israel.
Spring is a common trope in the Jazz world: Bill Evans insists that we "Must Believe In Spring," and Stan Getz's "Up Jumped Spring" brings immediate smiles to our faces. This April 12-14, the northern sun will shine under the guidance of Alon Olearchik and the Alon Farber Quintet with a jazz-packed weekend series.
April showers, May (Waltz of the) Flowers. In cooperation with the 2018 Felicja Blumental International Music Festival, from May 10-12, the Pastoral Hotel will travel back in time to the Baroque period. This summer series invites a handful of very important guests to delve into the classical genre: British conductor and organist Christopher Monks of the Armonico Consort, plus the lovely soprani soloist, Gillian Keith.
Other special events taking place on the premise this season include: the "Spring Festival," featuring violinists from all walks of life – local, international, young, and 'well-seasoned' (March 15-17), which serves as a precursor to the summer's esteemed "Voice of Music" festival, as well as a special afternoon concert by the legendary Berry Sakharof taking place on March 2.
© Omri Itamar
Let the calming waves of music wash over you this spring and rejuvenate you for the Israeli summertime, so the livin' is easy.
Sounds of Pastoral: NIS 2,100 per person for 2 nights, room and board. Pastoral Hotel-Kfar Blum (04-6836611, kfarblum-hotel.co.il)