Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 2022 U.S. Tour Long Beach

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 2022 U.S. Tour Long Beach

In just about three weeks, the highly regarded Israel Philharmonic will embark on a 10-stop tour of the United States, their first since the COVID-19 pandemic. As Israel’s premier cultural ambassador to the world, the Israel Philharmonic has long had a deep historic connection to the United States, a country they first toured in 1951.

In addition to being their first tour in three years, it will also be their first tour under new Music Director, Lahav Shani. Shani is only the second Music Director of the orchestra after Zubin Mehta – the IPO’s legendary Music Director for 50 years – retired in 2019.

At just 33-years-old, Shani is already astounding audiences as critics alike as one of the youngest directors of a major orchestra and the first Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic born in Israel. He is also the Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic and an accomplished pianist, performing regularly with orchestras around the world.

Danielle Ames Spivak, CEO of American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO), is confident that Lahav will charm American audiences. “Lahav is renowned for the enthusiasm and youthful enthusiasm he brings to every performance, and I think audiences throughout Southern California are really going to connect with him,” said Spivak. “He has limitless potential.”

Alongside the performances, AFIPO will be hosting galas in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and New York where attendees can get to know Lahav and members of the orchestra in a more intimate setting. AFIPO will utilize proceeds from the galas to continue supporting the musical endeavors of the Israel Philharmonic as well as their youth music programs.

At a time when the arts and culture are reemerging in Southern California, the Israel Philharmonic’s tour presents a great opportunity to deepen the connection between the Jewish community in the Greater Los Angeles area and Israel.

“The Israel Philharmonic does not just represent Israelis, it represents Jews all around the world,” said Spivak. “After the challenges of these past few years, the Philharmonic’s tour is perhaps more important than ever, and I’m confident that our community will give the Israel Philharmonic and Lahav Shani a very warm welcome.”

For more information about concert and gala tickets, visit afipo.org.