Tal Sondak

Tal Sondak (born July 23, 1976) is an Israeli singer. He is known for his broad musical career and contributions to Israeli pop music. Sondak gained national attention when he represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001. He is recognized for both his Eurovision appearance and many projects in Israeli music culture.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tal Sondak was born and raised in Herzliya, Israel. He began singing at a very young age. By age 10 he was performing with a boys’ choir. As a teenager he earned first-place awards in youth song festivals. Notably, at 15 years old he won a national children’s song contest with a song he wrote and composed himself. 

In the 1990s, Sondak continued to build his musical resume. He was a frequent guest on Israeli television programs and participated in various musical productions. He also represented Israel at international music festivals and performed for Jewish communities abroad, including in Denmark, the United States, Switzerland, and Canada.

Eurovision Song Contest 2001

In late 2000, Tal Sondak entered Kdam Eurovision 2001, Israel’s national song competition, with an original song titled “Ein Davar.” Ein Davar (meaning “Never Mind” or “No Matter”) is a pop ballad composed by Yair Klinger with lyrics by Shimrit Orr. Sondak won the national contest, earning the right to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2001 held in Copenhagen.

On May 12, 2001, Sondak performed “Ein Davar” on the Eurovision stage in front of a worldwide audience. He finished in 16th place out of 23 participating countries with a total of 25 points. 

Post-Eurovision Music Career

After Eurovision, Sondak continued to develop his career through live performances and recordings. He appeared in musical theater and tribute concerts around Israel. In 2005, he released his debut studio album titled Af Elayich ( “Flying to You”). This album featured pop songs showcasing Sondak’s smooth tenor voice and Middle Eastern pop style. He spent the following years performing concerts across the country, including themed shows in cultural centers. For example, he toured with a concert called “Drishat Shalom” in 2003 and a show called “Matzav Zmani” in 2004, celebrating Israeli songwriters’ works.

Sondak took time to focus on personal and community projects in the late 2000s, but he remained active in music. He often performed in tribute shows honoring famous Israeli composers and lyricists. Over the years he shared the stage with other well-known artists at venues like Habima and Cameri theaters, celebrating figures such as Ehud Manor, Kobi Oshrat, and others. In 2009, he joined a special concert tour called “Prachim Bakaneh” featuring classic Hebrew songs, demonstrating his dedication to preserving Israeli musical heritage.

In 2017, Sondak returned with a second studio album titled Bechol Zot Eineni Nifrad (“Still, I Have Not Separated”). This album’s title is a phrase from a famous Hebrew poem. The record included emotional ballads alongside up-tempo pop. Sondak performed a concert tour under the same name, accompanied by a live band. 

Recent Projects and Music Releases

In 2020, Tal Sondak released a special mini-album (EP) called Shiratam (“Their Song”). This project was a tribute album featuring new renditions of songs and lyrics by legendary Israeli songwriters. For instance, the album includes a duet with veteran singer-songwriter Rami Kleinstein on a newly composed version of Naomi Shemer’s song “Farewell”. It also features a track based on lyrics by the late Meir Ariel, with Sondak performing a song (“Ish Hamapuhit”) set to music by Kleinstein. Shiratam allowed Sondak to honor Israel’s musical heritage while showcasing his own vocal interpretation of classic and newly uncovered works.

Since 2021, Sondak has been very active in releasing singles and collaborations. Some of his notable recent songs include: “Yafot Shel Aba” (Dad’s Beauties), in February 2021. Four months later, “Shir Gil”; A duet with legendary Israeli singer Ilanit (who herself represented Israel at Eurovision twice). The collaboration bridged generations of Israeli musicians, pairing Sondak’s voice with Ilanit’s in a nostalgic tribute.

“Tal al Pirchei Hazman” was released in May 2022: A collaboration between Tal Sondak and famed rock guitarist Yitzhak Klepter. In November 2023 “Goral Echad 2023” (One Fate 2023) was released. It was a new version of Ofra Haza’s classic song. He performed it with an ensemble from the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

2024–2025: Sondak continued to release songs with social themes. In early 2024 he released “Tir’i Oti Zocher” (“See Me Remember Me”), a song he wrote and composed to raise awareness for colon cancer, timed with an annual health awareness month. In 2025 he released “B’tzad Echad Shel HaOlam” (“On One Side of the World”), a single inspired by lyrics from an injured army veteran, fulfilling the soldier’s dream of having his words set to music. Both tracks highlight Sondak’s engagement with community causes through his music.

Musical Direction and Community Work

Beyond performing and recording, Tal Sondak has dedicated much of his time to music education and community projects. Starting in 2003, he became a musical director for youth singing groups across Israel. Sondak has led children’s and teens’ choir ensembles in many cities and towns, including Ra’anana, Kfar Saba, Hod HaSharon, Even Yehuda, and more. In these roles, he teaches vocal development, arranges music, and mentors young performers. Many singers who trained in Sondak’s youth groups have gone on to join the Israeli military bands or attend music schools, with some even turning professional. Sondak’s behind-the-scenes work has thus helped nurture the next generation of Israeli musical talent.

Sondak also produces and directs large-scale children’s music festivals and talent shows. Since 2012, he has been the artistic director of an annual children’s song festival in the Sharon region. He has organized talent competitions (such as “Kishroneto” and “Chance Kid”) and community shows for youth movements, often serving as musical director for these events. Through these activities, Sondak actively contributes to the local music culture and encourages youth participation in the arts.

In addition, Tal Sondak has engaged in creative projects with social messages. In 2013, he wrote and composed an original youth musical titled “Tabit BaMare’a” (“Look in the Mirror”) that addressed the issue of social ostracism and bullying among teenagers. Sondak directed and produced this musical with a cast of young performers (the South Sharon youth troupe), incorporating ten original songs to tell the story of a boy who is rejected by his peers. The musical was inspired by a real-life tragic case of a teen who was bullied online. Tabit BaMare’a was performed in schools for several years and earned recognition. The Regional Council that sponsored it won a national education award for this project. 

Personal Life

Tal Sondak lives in Israel and remains deeply connected to his family and community. He is married to his wife, Tali, and they have three daughters together. Sondak often mentions that family is a major inspiration for his music, as seen in songs like “Yafot Shel Aba” which he dedicated to his daughters. In addition to his musical pursuits, Sondak pursued higher education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences at the Ruppin Academic Center in Israel. This academic background is somewhat unusual for a pop singer and showcases his diverse interests beyond music.