Nancy Brandes – an Israeli arranger, composer, and conductor of Romanian origin – played a central role in shaping some of Ofra Haza’s most iconic sounds during the 1980s. From the recordings that marked her major mainstream breakthrough to the refined ballads released shortly before she captured international attention, Brandes had a rare ability to translate Ofra’s voice into rich, emotionally resonant, and deeply soul-stirring arrangements.
Brandes often recalls the emotionally charged moment in Munich in 1983, only minutes before they walked onto the Eurovision stage:
“Nancy, we must win on this cursed ground.” (Ofra Haza to Nancy Brandes, minutes before taking the stage)
For Brandes, standing on that stage with Ofra was more than a professional moment – it was a personal dream come true. “As if I touched the sky,” he recalled. He remembered her rare discipline, uncompromising professionalism, and humility even as she became a global star.
Although Brandes often says in interviews that his personal connection with Ofra was largely limited to the Eurovision period, the material preserved in the site’s archive presents a much broader picture. In 1986, during Ofra’s visit to Argentina, the two were documented in a remarkable historical scene: celebrating at Buenos Aires’ Obelisk square with millions of people—including Diego Maradona — following Argentina’s World Cup victory.
✱ 1983 | Akharei ha-Khagim (Ofra Haza and Avi Toledano Duet) – Arrangement of the successful duet with Avi Toledano, featuring a warm and rich Israeli-pop sound.
✱ 1983 | Chai (Pre-Eurovision and Eurovision) – The shared peak moment where Nancy arranged the song and conducted the German orchestra live.
✱ 1983 | Vas, Vas, Vas / Frei / High – Arrangement of the international versions of Chai.
✱ 1988 | Shvil Tapu’ach HaZahav – A delicate ballad arranged by Brandes for Ofra on the very eve of her major international breakthrough with the album Shaday.
✱ 1992 | Ha-Or (Uri Feinman) – An arrangement for a song written by Ofra and Bezalel for the pre-Eurovision contest.
