Ranot Vocal Ensemble, one of Israel’s leading vocal ensembles, was formed 18 years ago in Israel’s remote Southern Arava desert. It operates today under the auspices of the Southern Arava Culture, Youth, and Sports Center, a non-profit organization, under the musical and artistic direction of founder Gideon Efrati, who is a composer, arranger, pianist and an active singer.

Its repertoire highlights the music of Jewish liturgical and folk traditions in a variety of styles and arrangements as well as classical and traditional music from around the world. Songs in Hebrew, Yemenite, Yiddish, Ladino, English and Arabic bring to life the different backgrounds of the Ensemble's members.

Ranot's vibrant performances and lively staging engage audiences with a unique combination of authenticity, humor and warmth.
Ranot’s conductor and the ensemble see great importance in building artistic and cultural ties with faith communities all over the world.

...We believe that fruitful discourse and candid discussion between members of various faiths is a likely outcome of face-to-face encounters and acquaintance with text and music spanning the entire faith spectrum. Thusly tolerant interpretation of religious texts is enabled, as are openness, erasing prejudices, overcoming fears, and eliminating demonization of The Other...

...In a genuine dialog that teaches and sows fertile soil, from within acceptance and understanding alongside mutual respect, precisely the emphasis on uniqueness and differences in every faith and faith community becomes the foundation for mutual trust and world peace...