Hagai Bilitzky

Hagai Bilitzky is a senior lecturer at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, specializing in Middle Eastern music and double bass performance. Born in Jerusalem, he began his musical journey on classical guitar before transitioning to double bass and jazz. After three years in New York's jazz scene, he returned to Israel where his encounter with oud master Nino Biton redirected his focus to Middle Eastern music. He completed his M.Mus at JAMD under Prof. Taiseer Elias and Prof. Michael Klinghoffer, becoming a leading figure in Israel's world music scene. As a performer, Hagai has collaborated internationally with renowned artists and orchestras, from UNESCO performances in Paris to solo recitals on major stages worldwide. His 2022 album "New Sound of the Middle East" received international acclaim, being featured as "Top of the World" by Songlines Magazine. At JAMD, he teaches a variety of courses and has pioneered innovative approaches to traditional oral music transmission in academic settings