By Marjorie Gorospe

WHEN passion for music is entirely pure, it becomes your life: This statement describes Tal Kravitz’ dedication to music.

He got into music when he was four years old.

His passion and mastery of ethnic including Israeli music is enriched by his travels to different parts of the world. He has been to Africa, Papua New Guinea and other countries which have musical instruments and traditions that are in danger of extinction.

They say a musician will never run out of inspiration. Kravitz can play and entertain you with almost anything he get his hands on. Kravitz plays piano, harp, guitar, a variety of bagpipes, African percussion instruments, among others. His favorite is the harp.

Aside from collecting various instruments, Kravitz also studies the ethnic languages in countries where he goes.

“It is connected with the soul of the music,” Kravitz says, as he plays “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan,” which he learned through the Internet.

Years of traveling, Kravitz has learned more than music.

“It is the stories of the people I encounter in my musical journey that inspires me,” he says. His exposure to different cultures has made him value life more.

Kravitz says he won’t stop learning about music, despite his stature today. He says he will continue doing this until the end of his days.

As I watched him perform before Israeli dignitaries, it was clear that this passion emanates from his music. If I were to define passion for music, it will be called “Tal Kravitz.”