Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Celebrates 90 Years of History
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1936 by Bronisław Huberman, is celebrating 90 years. Its first concert featured conductor Arturo Toscanini. The orchestra played "Hatikvah" at Israel's independence ceremony in 1948 and has had significant collaborations with conductors like Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta. It remains a major cultural symbol and ambassador for Israel.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1936 by Bronisław Huberman with 75 musicians.
- Arturo Toscanini conducted the orchestra's first concert in Tel Aviv on December 26, 1936.
- The orchestra performed "Hatikvah" at Israel's Declaration of Independence ceremony on May 14, 1948.
- Leonard Bernstein began a long association with the orchestra in 1948.
- Zubin Mehta served as Music Director for fifty years, starting in 1977.
- The orchestra moved to its permanent home, Heichal HaTarbut, in 1957.
- The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating its 90th anniversary, was founded by Polish violinist Bronisław Huberman, who foresaw the danger to European Jews from the Nazis. He recruited approximately 75 musicians from prominent European orchestras to relocate to the Land of Israel, establishing the foundation for a major symphony orchestra. The inaugural concert on December 26, 1936, in Tel Aviv, was conducted by the renowned Italian maestro Arturo Toscanini, who openly opposed fascism and stated he was performing "for humanity."
Initially named the Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra, it developed its own musical tradition over its first decade, with musicians from diverse backgrounds. The orchestra performed in Tel Aviv, toured the region including Egypt, and played for Allied soldiers and the Jewish Brigade during World War II. Following the establishment of the State of Israel, it was renamed the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and performed "Hatikvah" at the independence ceremony on May 14, 1948.
A significant early event was a concert in the Negev desert on November 20, 1948, for approximately 5,000 soldiers, led by a young Leonard Bernstein, who conducted and played piano. This marked the beginning of a long association between Bernstein and the orchestra that lasted until his death.
In October 1957, the orchestra moved to its permanent home, the "Heichal HaTarbut" concert hall in Tel Aviv, significantly expanding its audience and solidifying its status as a major cultural institution. During this period, collaborations began with conductors like Zubin Mehta, who would become a central figure, and featured emerging talents such as Yitzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and Daniel Barenboim.
Leonard Bernstein's connection deepened in 1963 with the world premiere of his Third Symphony, "Kaddish," in Tel Aviv, conducted by Bernstein himself with Hanna Rovina as narrator. Bernstein dedicated the piece to the memory of the recently assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
Zubin Mehta served as the Music Director for fifty years, starting in 1977. Throughout its history, the orchestra has accompanied Israel through its most pivotal and challenging moments, performing for soldiers during wars, representing the nation on global stages, and collaborating with leading artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra remains a key cultural symbol and an international ambassador for Israel.