Of Yemenite and Moroccan descent, Omer Avital grew up surrounded by the diverse musical and cultural landscape of his native Israel. He moved to New York in 1992, becoming an internationally recognized bass player and bandleader. He later returned to Israel to reinvestigate his roots and study traditional music and oud.

Now back in New York, Avital integrates his Middle Eastern musical interests into his composing, creating a highly individual and recognizable sound — the essence of Israel with all its contradictions and beauty. Avital is a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award, the most prestigious distinction for artists in Israel.