Photo By Lorena Alcaraz Minor
In a world that often feels divided, composer, conductor, singer, songwriter and pianist Tomer Adaddi harnesses the power of music to unite people of varying nationalities, ethnicities and religions. Originally from Ra’anana, Israel, Adaddi proudly weaves his Jewish heritage into his pieces. One of his most notable achievements was writing a song in Hebrew for the Eurovision Song Contest, a popular international music competition, in 2010.
“I think art is such a beautiful way to show how people can relate because everybody can love music,” says the 41-year-old Parkland resident. “I got emails from all over the world and most of the people wrote, ‘We don’t understand a word, but the music just touched our heart.’ That was a moment when I understood that music transcends any borders. Music is the power that can connect people, and I feel that is my mission. When I see people leave my concert smiling and humming, it couldn’t be better.”
The descendant of a prominent Ashkenazi Jewish family from Latvia on his mother’s side and a Libyan family on his father’s, Adaddi began piano lessons at age 4. His maternal grandmother wanted to be a concert pianist, but World War II derailed her plans when her piano was confiscated by Latvians and Nazis.
Adaddi grew up idolizing the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. A career highlight came in 2019 when he conducted the orchestra’s 100-piece ensemble. “All I could think of was my grandmother and how I wished she was there in the audience to see it,” he recalls.
Music has taken him all over the world to destinations like Mexico, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Switzerland, Berlin, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Canada. He’s even performed for the Dalai Lama and arranged music for Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Il Volo and Jackie Evancho. Locally, he’s the musical director and co‑producer of Spanish River Concerts in Boca Raton and performs at venues including the Kravis Center, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, B’nai Torah Congregation and multiple country clubs.
Adaddi recently made a miraculous recovery from a health scare. “I got a second chance, which I am so grateful for. I feel like I have so much more to do musically,” the father of three says. His goals include writing music for a Disney film and a musical in English, as well as winning a Grammy and performing at the Sydney Opera House.