Shmuel Elbaz is one of the foremost and most versatile musicians who has emerged from Israel. He performs as a mandolin artist and as a conductor with all major orchestras in Israel including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and others worldwide. Shmuel was the first Israeli who brought the mandolin to the front of the stage as a classical solo instrument. His world premiere recordings of the Bach Sonatas and Partitas and Mozart violin sonatas performed on a mandolin, has raised great interest, and was broadcasted on numerous radio stations. A passionate performer of contemporary music, he has performed many works which have been dedicated especially to him. Shmuel is the winner of the prestigious International Plucked String Instruments Competition held in La Rioja, Spain. His interest in encounters between Western and Eastern music cultures, has brought forth many collaborations during the years. Shmuel Elbaz was born in Israel. He started his musical education at the Beer Sheva Music Conservatory in the mandolin class of the legendary Simcha Nathanson. He graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and the Sweelinck Academy of Music, Amsterdam in performing arts and conducting under the guidance of Mendi Rodan, Roland Kieft and among others.