«Twelve Tones» –
From dream to success!
In 1995, in Ramat Aviv (Israel), a dream became a reality: a male quartet formed to sing a cappella Barbershop songs – perfect harmony that would bring the audience in Israel an experience it had never known. The conductor and visionary behind this dream was Alex Eshed – a computer engineer, a musician at heart, and a man who has spent his whole life with singing in his soul.
The singers' quartet (then called TTBB) soon became a male choir: "12 Tones" – a choir that became a household name in Israel, and today, after more than 30 years, it is still renewing, growing, and inviting new members.
Alex Eshed –
Meet the Conductor
Alex Eshed is not only a conductor but also a leader, educator and musical arranger, a man who saw the choir as a mission.
He was born in India to German-born parents, and immigrated to Israel at the age of eight. As a child, he studied violin and piano, and later sang in most of the important choirs in the country: the Philharmonic Choir, "Rinat", "Cameran Singers" and the Chamber Choir in Ramat Gan.
Parallel to his musical life, Alex led a career of more than 35 years in high-tech – a computer engineer and an expert in information systems and computerized maps. The combination of the worlds of technology and art is evident in his conducting style: pedantic precision alongside warm emotion and the ability to bring out the best, and the most, from every singer.
Alex was exposed to the world of Barbershop in the 1980s and became one of the pioneers of the style in Israel when he conducted JBE – ”The Jerusalem Barbershop Ensemble". In addition to "Twelve Tones", he also founded a women's choir, "Barberina", which specialized in female a cappella singing, also in the barbershop style. Furthermore, he founded a mixed jazz a cappella ensemble, Six Appeal, and was one of its singers.
Alex also prepares arrangements and translations of well-known songs – and leads countless workshops to improve choirs all over the country.
Today, Alex continues to direct on stage, lead rehearsals and inspire generations of singers. His story is proof that singing together can be a way of life.
Our main achievements
Over the years, we have participated in dozens of festivals and competitions in Israel and around the world:
● International competitions in England, Ireland and Spain
● Performances at academic conferences – Tel Aviv University and Haifa University
● "Ha'Agam" Festival on the shores of the Sea of Galilee
● Impressive wins in the national "Solam Milah" competition – twice in first place.
In addition, we have performed in municipality organized concerts, community events, choir conventions and on many stages, small and large – always with the same sharp, rich and exciting sound.
Why join us?
At Twelve Tones, every singer finds his place, and becomes a unique part of one vocal structure.
We offer choir auditions in Tel Aviv in Gush Dan, and our doors are always open to receive and incorporate new voices. No prior experience is required – except for a love of music and a desire to sing together.
Our rehearsals combine professional vocal work with a warm, friendly atmosphere. The performances are an exciting experience, and the friendships created remain off stage as well.
If you have always dreamed of being part of a male choir, singing in rich harmony and performing in front of an audience – now is the time to join "12 Tones".
"Twelve Tones" is not just a musical ensemble but a community, a home, and a vision. Under the leadership of Alex Eshed, a man who dedicated his life to singing and connecting people, it has continued for more than three decades to prove that singing together is the most powerful force to unite, to move, to bring joy, and to create beauty.
Shai Gil'ad, baritone singer
"Beyond music, this is where I found true friends. We laugh, practice, go to concerts together – like a family built around singing. I can't imagine my life without Twelve Tones."
Hezi Avnet, lead singer
"For me, the choir is a place where I am filled with energy every week. I enter rehearsal, and all my worries disappear. Singing in harmony in the Twelve Tones choir is magic for the heart and soul that is hard to explain."
Uri Blumenthal, bass singer
"I didn't know how to read music when I came to the audition, and I was sure that would block me. But no – Alex welcomed me with a smile, and today I perform on various stages and even go abroad with the group. It's a gift I never dreamed I would receive at this age."