Paul Ben-Haim, one of Israel’s outstanding composers, died here Saturday at the age of 86. His music, successfully blending Western and Oriental elements, and his prolific activities and great talent won him universal appaluse and recognition.
Ben-Haim, born in Munich, Germany, studied music and wrote his first work as a school project at the age of 12. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and the University of Munich. He served in the German army during World War I and emigrated to Palestine in 1932.
He was an honorary chairman of the Israel Composers Association and was occasionally guest conductor of the Israel Philharmonic. Orchestra-and-the orchestra of the Israel broadcasting services. Ben-Haim was awarded the Engel Prize by the Tel Aviv municipality in 1945 and 1953 for his two symphonies, and the Israel Prize in 1957 for his “Sweet Psalmist of Israel.” His prolific works formed part of the standard program for Israeli orchestras both at home and while on foreign tours.
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