Liel Kolet

Liel Kolet
(ליאל קולט)

Liel Kolet in 2016
Background information
Born (1989-07-11) 11 July 1989
Kvutzat Kinneret, Israel
Genres Pop
Occupation(s) Singer , Songwriter
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2000–present
Website

Liel Kolet (Hebrew: ליאל קולט‎‎;) is a singer/songwriter and a peace advocate.

Liel performing in Tel Aviv

Biography

Liel Kolet

Liel Kolet is an international singer, songwriter and a peace advocate, born on 11 July 1989 to Jewish Israeli parents on Kibbutz Kinneret where she grew up in a very special atmosphere and lived a very simple life.

At age 11, Liel won a talent contest in Israel called Bravo, performing a song originally sung by Israeli singer Ofra Haza called "Leorech Hayam".

After winning the national contest she was sent to represent Israel in the European talent contest Bravo Bravissimo, where she also won. This performance touched many people among Liel's soon to be manager who was also captured by her mesmerizing performance and shortly after decided to sign her and develop Liel's career. At the age 13 she recorded her first album, Daughter of the Kinneret, which was released in Israel and was her first of many studio albums to come. It included songs such as "Prayer", "Eyfo Ata Achi" (Where Are You Now My Brother), a song dedicated to families whose lost sons to Israel's wars, and "Don't Be a Hero", a duet with Sasi Buganim. It also included her first ever song in English called; "Find it in Me", which has been added to the album as a separate single.

When Liel was only 14 she was invited to perform at the 80th birthday celebration of president Shimon Peres where she made a very bold move and invited President Bill Clinton to join her on stage and sing along to John Lennon's "Imagine" with a choir of 40 Jewish and 40 Muslim children.[1][2] This powerful and touching performance made a strong impact and the video became viral. The clip has been shown on major TV shows and channels all over the globe such as; CNN, BBC FOX NEWS etc. This was Liel's first step into the International music scene, making her a “highly sought after personality” for royal events, peace concerts and charity events throughout the world.


A year later Liel began to work with German producer Jack White who produced her first international record called Simply Me. Kolet promoted the album by performing on some of the biggest TV shows in Germany such as; Verstehen Sie Spass?, Ein Herz für Kinder and many more. Later on she received the German Radio Award for her work to promote peace and support children in need around the world. At a 2006 aid concert for tsunami victims in Berlin, Liel performed "Imagine" again, but this time with the Scorpions' lead singer Klaus Meine who joined her for an impromptu duet.[3]

The two clicked immediately, and shortly after, Meine invited her to perform with him. Together they recorded five duets, including a special version of "Send Me an Angel", which became a big hit and ended up on her album, a special version of David D'or's song, "Tishmor al HaOlam Yeled" ("Keep the World Child"), and a new song which Meine wrote for Liel, "Bigger Than Life". Together, they also performed one of the most well-known Israeli songs, written by one of the best-known poets and songwriters of Israel, Naomi Shemer : "Jerusalem of Gold".

In 2006 Liel released her first international album- "Unison" which can be described as a blend of pop-classical songs with a touch of ethnic flavors. Sung in both English and Spanish, it was also released in Mexico where she appeared on some of the biggest TV shows such as The Telethon as well as on various radio shows and even the news. Liel sold over 40,000 copies in Mexico City Only.

After gaining recognition in Europe, Liel was approached by leading producer Ralph Siegel who asked her to represent Switzerland in the biggest song contest in the world; Eurovision Song Contest , as part of an international group called Six4one, a group formed of different singers from different nationalities who came together to support the message of peace and unity.

In 2007 Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert nominated Liel as Official Ambassador for Northern Israel. She has also serves as official ambassador for The Peres Center for Peace, Sheba Medical Center, Children’s Hospital and international peace organizations Seeds of Peace and Children of Peace

In 2008, Liel performed at the 10th anniversary of the Peres Center for Peace. Leading the musical part of the evening, her most memorable moment was when she sang a duet with Andrea Bocelli called "Ray of Hope" which was written by Shimon Peres and composed by Kolet.

In 2009, Liel released her sophomore album, “Be Free,” of pop-classical songs and strong ballads, containing some of her own writing. The album featured collaborations some of the biggest names in the music industry including Patti LaBelle whom she recorded a duet with, called; "For The Love Of God' , as well as a special live performance with legendary Jazz musician Herbie Hancock ; performing a cover of " What a Wonderful World". She released her album titled "Be Free" in Israel, Europe and Mexico.

On October 9 2012, Liel took part in an historic international event honoring the Dalai Lama. Performing before the world media at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, Liel sang for the Dalai Lama and appeared alongside Dave Matthews Band, Whoopi Goldberg, David Crosby and other international stars.

In 2013 Liel received The Eagle of peace award, acknowledging her humanitarian work to promote peace through her music, at the same event she performed her song with the Iranian superstar- Ebi called ; "I Can Hear Christmas" . A unique collaboration between the biggest Iranian superstar and a Jewish International singer, who came together to send a message of peace and harmony by singing a duet for Christmas and sending a message of love and unity between all religions. The song has been produced by the Grammy Award Winner producer Humberto Gatica. The story was featured on many international channels as well as on Reuters.

During that year she also had her first PBS special aired in the United States, called ‘My journey to Peace’. The special was broadcast throughout the country and brought Liel's story into the homes of the American People, sharing her continuous mission to use her voice to promote peace, alongside performances from stages around the globe. Following the PBS special, Liel toured in the east coast.

Discography

Awards

References

  1. ↑ Taneja, Shilaja Tripathi. "Songs for peace". The Hindu. Chennai, India: hindu.com. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  2. ↑ Arfa, Orit. "Sweet Sixteen and Ready to Rise". Jewish Journal. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  3. ↑ "Collaboration with the Scorpions". Yodan Productions Ltd. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  4. ↑ Profile, dailymotion.com; accessed 13 March 2015.
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