Itamar Erez

Itamar's music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply.

It blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own. Recipient of the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the prestigious 2014 Landau Prize, Itamar Erez is an internationally renowned composer and guitarist who has shared the stage with such musicians as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Jean-Louis Matinier, Zohar Fresco, and others.

Between September 20th- October 15th 2019, Itamar toured in Europe with ‘Nacht Der Gitarren’. With him on stage were Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Daniel Stelter (Germany), Yuliya Lonskaya (Belarus). Circa 20 shows were booked in venues in Germany, Holland and Austria.
During the pandemic, Itamar has presented several online performances commissioned by the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, The Niagara Jazz festival, as well as his own private solo performance.

At the 2021 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Itamar has participated as a leader of the Itamar Erez Quartet, as well as a workshop facilitator, discussing his musical work, creative process and inspiration. A new CD is in the works, coming out in 2022!

In 2022 Itamar was chosen to showcase his quartet at ‘JazzAhead’ music conference in Bremen (Germany), and presented a 45 min set of his original music. During Nov 2022 Itamar toured in Israel with his quartet, with shows in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Gan Shmuel and Tzfat.

During 2023 Itamar was touring in British Columbia with ‘International Guitar Night’, together with amazing artists Jesus Guerrero and Jocelyn Gould, as well as with his own trio.

As a composer, Itamar has written for various chamber ensembles and groups (such as the ‘Sound Of Dragon Ensemble’), as well as numerous pieces for the classical guitar.
Compositions such as ‘Yahli’s Lullaby’, ‘Morning Song’, ‘Choro for Lulo’ & ‘Choro Sentimental’ are often played by concert guitarists in recitals. Matt Palmer & Daniel Bolshoy are among the international classical guitarists who played and premiered Itamar’s music. Itamar has written music for film, and the most recent one isa documentary called ‘Greek To Me’, directed by Harry Killas.

Apart from his busy composing and touring life, Itamar is also teaching at the guitar, jazz and world music faculty at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School Of Music.