Longing, Belonging & Balfour

UK tour 2017
Israel/Palestine tour 2018

An evocative music & spoken word performance marking the centenary of the 1917 Balfour Declaration that led to the creation of the State of Israel, the Palestinians' loss of their homeland and the unleashing of one of the bitterest conflicts of modern times. Weaving together Jewish, Palestinian and British stories, this is a riveting study of the complexities of history. 

Compelling history; captivating music; exquisite songs; vibrant storytelling; devastating stories.

REVIEWS

'Our European brothers and sisters [Chai For All Ensemble] are our advocates. What you have done is amazing.' Saed J. Abu-Hijleh - poet, radio host and lecturer of political and environmental geography, An Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

'Chai for All Ensemble made a huge contribution to the Balfour Project event to mark the centenary of the Balfour Declaration at the Methodist Central Hall [Westminster, London, UK]. Their unique and charming blend of jazz, Jewish and Arabic music ‘framed' the evening. It is difficult to imagine a more attractive means of not just giving a history lesson, but enabling people to live into the complexities and emotions of this all-too-human story.' Peter Riddell - coordinator, Balfour Declaration centenary event, Balfour Project trustee and secretary

'This show is a brave attempt at ‘squaring the circle’ and bringing together the disparate strands of the story in such an approachable and moving way. The meticulous research and imaginative production marks this out as a show not to be missed.' Marian Liebmann - Bristol Quaker News

'A well-produced performance with a wonderful variety of music. Offers ideas around the land conflict in the Middle East, and invites the audience to complicate and nuance those ideas which were put across with poetry and prose; it was very engaging.' Vivi Lachs - teacher, singer and researcher of East End Yiddish songs

Simon Leach: guitar, oud, zurna, percussion
Michael Loader: storyteller, trumpet 
Marianna Moralis: vocals, storyteller, researcher  
David Mowat: trumpet, producer
Mark Smulian: bass, electronics, album producer
Katie Stevens: clarinet, kaval 
Knud Stüwe: guitar, oud, music director