(CelebrityAccess) — Shmuel Zemach, an Israeli-born producer, and promoter who brought some of the biggest names in music to the Middle Eastern nation has died. He was 85.
A native of Petah Tikva, Zemach got his start as a concert promoter at an early age, organizing shows at his town's youth department of his hometown as a 12-year-old.
His organizational skills brought him to the attention of the Israeli Prime Minister's office, who put him to work as a member of the 10 Years State of Israel Celebrations Committee’ and became a representative for the Kibbutzim Movement Festival, an annual art/entertainment festival taking place in Haifa.
He was also sent to the United States as part of an effort to refine and broaden his experience in coordinating events, exhibitions, and production.
After Zemach returned to Israel, he was at the forefront of the Israeli entertainment scene, staging events ranging from classical ballet and Broadway productions to pop and rock concerts with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel and Leonard Cohen.
Together with his son Yoav, he established live entertainment producer Zemach Productions, with assistance from his wife Dr. Brach Zemach, who used her past experience in ballet to act as a consultant for the firm.
Zemach also established a number of theater and dance troupes in Israel and served a long tenure as chairman of the Israel Association of Promoters and Producers.
He is survived by his wife, three children, and 10 grandchildren.
