The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) has announced that the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) will hold a virtual gala on Sunday, June 28, in partnership with Medici TV, to benefit the Orchestra three months after COVID-19 forced indefinite concert cancellations. Featuring classical music’s premier talent, this landmark moment in the IPO’s history will be available to stream internationally, free of charge. Registration is online here, with the broadcast to stream on Medici TV’s site.
Helen Mirren Photo by See Li
“I’m thrilled to be hosting the Israel Philharmonic’s first-ever global gala,” said Academy Award-winning actress and the gala’s host, Dame Helen Mirren. “This is not just a way to support the future of a world-class cultural institution since proceeds from the event will help recover some of the revenue lost during the current pandemic. This is also an opportunity to honor music’s power to unify us during challenging times.”
The virtual gala will enable the IPO to enrich diverse audiences around the world in its role as Israel’s preeminent cultural ambassador. Proceeds from the event will directly support the Orchestra as it recovers from the devastating financial toll of COVID-19 and forced concert hall closures.
The event will feature short performances by Lahav Shani, IPO musicians, and the Orchestra’s closest friends: Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth, Yefim Bronfman, Itzhak Perlman, Evgeny Kissin, András Schiff, Gil Shaham, Chen Reiss and Martin Fröst. The program will also include special messages from Zubin Mehta, Gianandrea Noseda and Lahav Shani.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this incredible lineup of classical music’s foremost players to our largest audience yet,” said AFIPO’s Executive Director, Danielle Ames Spivak. “By making our virtual gala free and available everywhere, we hope to bring healing to those who need it, as well as share feelings of unity courtesy of classical music and the IPO.”
About American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) supports the world-class Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), enabling the IPO to enrich diverse audiences around the world in its role as Israel’s preeminent cultural ambassador. AFIPO’s vision is to inspire the human spirit through transformative music education programs and extraordinary performances that celebrate Israel and the arts. For more information, please visit afipo.org.
About the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is the leading orchestra in Israel and globally recognized as a world-class symphonic ensemble. Founded in 1936 by famed Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, the IPO performs regularly in its home, the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv, as well as across Israel, including Jerusalem and Haifa. Additionally, it tours internationally, from Europe to Asia to North and South America. Since its inception, the IPO has enjoyed long-lasting relationships with renowned soloists and conductors which have kept it at the forefront of the classical music world. For more information, please visit ipo.co.il.
