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Yojanan Peretz's journey in music began at just four years old, studying the Venezuelan cuatro in the music ensemble of his hometown, Palmira. His early dedication led him to master the guitar, mandolin, and oboe, winning awards at festivals and earning him a place as an oboist in the prestigious Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra in San Cristóbal. After graduating with a specialization in music, Yojanan moved to Caracas to pursue his passion for orchestral conducting at the Instituto de Estudios Musicales (IUDEM). There, he studied under esteemed conductors such as Rodolfo Saglimbeni and Alfredo Rugeles. Yojanan took part in advanced conducting courses with renowned figures like Francisco Noya and Thomas Clamor and joined the Chacao Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he contributed as assistant conductor and woodwind and percussion section coach. Yojanan's career took a transformative turn when he ventured into mariachi music—a move that enriched his musical perspective and also connected him with his future wife, a fellow mariachi violinist in Caracas. After emigrating to Spain, Yojanan and his wife joined the Jewish community in Valencia, and in 2016, they completed their formal conversion to Judaism, marking a profound new chapter in both life and music. In 2018, Yojanan and his wife made Aliyah to Israel, where he launched a bold project: founding the country’s first mariachi band, *Mariachi Jerusalem*. Under his leadership, the ensemble has gained traction quickly, performing at high-profile events like the International Mariachi and Charro Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico (2022), and gracing international stages such as the University of Pennsylvania and Times Square, New York (2024). Beyond his role as the director of Mariachi Jerusalem, Yojanan has focused on music production, collaborating with both local and international artists to give traditional Jewish music a fresh sound through mariachi-style arrangements. These singles have reached audiences across radio stations in Israel, Argentina, and Spain, broadening the appeal of this innovative genre. Driven by excellence and professionalism, Yojanan has collaborated with prestigious institutions, performing with respected ensembles including the Great Synagogue Choir in Jerusalem and the Binyamin Choir, continually honing his musical versatility and adaptability. Despite recent challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to regional conflicts, Yojanan continues to pursue his vision with *emuná* (faith), remaining committed to expanding the reach of mariachi music in Israel and beyond.

Company profile

Mariachi Jerusalem, the world’s only Jewish mariachi, was founded in 2018 by Venezuelan Jewish musician Yojanan Peretz, who moved to Israel that same year. Their unique sound combines Israeli and mariachi elements, blending two cultures in a distinct way. With a mission to introduce mariachi to Israeli audiences, they have passionately performed across Israel’s stages. This ensemble features young Jewish musicians from Latin America who made Aliyah to Israel, along with Israeli musicians who embraced mariachi. Mariachi Jerusalem proudly represented Israel at the International Mariachi and Charro Encounter, becoming the first Israeli mariachi to perform in Mexico in 2022, merging the essence of both cultures. Currently, they perform at various events in Israel and produce Jewish music with mariachi influences, including notable versions of "Hatikva" and Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah." Their dedication to music and cultural diversity makes them a unique fusion of Jewish heritage and mariachi spirit. Additionally, they have been invited to prestigious venues like the University of Pennsylvania and Times Square in New York, showcasing their cultural blend on an international stage.

Posts

• New Post dated

  Nov 26, 2024
• Music Producer
• Mariachi Jerusalem
• Jerusalem
• Israel

Hello everyone, I’m new to the group and writing to you from Israel. I am the founder and director of the first mariachi band in Israel. Recently, we’ve been producing Jewish music with mariachi influences. For anyone curious, you can check out our work. I’ll leave our social media links here. We’ve already represented Israel at the International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara and done a small tour in the U.S. (Pennsylvania and Times Square). If anyone feels connected to the project and wants to collaborate, I’d be delighted to hear your ideas!

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