For an evening dedicated to peace, the Israeli conductor Lahav Shani brings together two world-class orchestras at the Kreuzkirche: the Munich Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert, in which members of each orchestra share a desk, reflects not only the 80-year anniversary of the end of World War II and thus the liberation from the Nazi reign of terror, but also marks the beginning of the history of reconciliation between Germany and Israel. 

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Israel Philharmonic Orchestra — Munich Philharmonic — Shani

Kreuzkirche, Dresden

On May 8, 2025, the Munich Philharmonic will not only look back on the day of liberation from National Socialist terror, the end of a horrific world war, but also the beginning of the history of reconciliation between Germany and Israel. To mark this occasion, the Munich orchestra is inviting members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra to jointly create this concert program under the direction of Lahav Shani. Members of both orchestras will share the podiums and play a program that illustrates the fateful connection between Germany and Israel. "Prayer" is the haunting musical prayer of Tzvi Avni, who was born in Saarbrücken in 1927 and had to emigrate to Palestine with his parents at the age of eight. There he received his training from Paul Ben-Haim, who in turn was himself a student of Gustav Mahler's close confidant Bruno Walter. Like no other work in music history, Mahler's "Sixth" is an intense musical exploration of human suffering and emotional despair. Both works convey the need to value peace, respect and cooperation as prerequisites for a hopeful future.

Avni Mahler

Holy Cross Church Dresden

Konzerthaus Dortmund

Gasteig HP8

Musicians from Israel and Munich share the podium, as members of the Munich Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra sit together on stage for this special concert on the eve of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. The bridge between the two orchestras is Lahav Shani, who has been chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra since 2020 and will take on the same role with the Munich Philharmonic from 2026. The program features two composers of Jewish descent. The racial madness of the National Socialists drove the German-born Tzvi Avni and his family from their home in Saarland. Along with many other composers who were of "non-Aryan" descent according to the National Socialist definition, the work of Gustav Mahler was also removed from all concert and radio programs during the Third Reich. Malte Arkona leads the concert evening with background knowledge of both works.

4. Youth Concert

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Israel’s oldest and most influential cultural treasures, will be performing under the baton of its esteemed music director, Lahav Shani. With a legacy spanning over 80 years, the orchestra has built a global community of musicians and has captivated millions of audiences both domestically and internationally. This performance continues their tradition of excellence, bringing the rich and vibrant sounds of the Israel Philharmonic to Orange County. The orchestra's visit is a testament to its enduring commitment to cultural exchange and musical brilliance. Lahav Shani, known for his dynamic and insightful interpretations, will lead the orchestra in a program that promises to showcase their exceptional artistry and versatility. This event is sponsored by the Henry T. & Elizabeth Segerstrom Foundation and is part of the Elizabeth & Henry Segerstrom Foundation Select Series, in partnership with AFIPO. The program details will be announced, ensuring a night of musical discovery and enjoyment.

Israel Philharmonic Bernstein, Bruch, & Tchaikovsky

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Settle in as the world’s most electrifying artists and ensembles converge at Davies Symphony Hall. A Bay Area favorite, the Israel Philharmonic returns to Davies Symphony Hall under the direction of Lahav Shani.

Israel Philharmonic

Davies Symphony Hall

Immerse yourself in the glory of Israel’s oldest and most influential cultural institution when the “exceptional” (Los Angeles Times) Israel Philharmonic returns to the Knight Concert Hall, led by music director Lahav Shani, one of the most talked-about young talents in the international music scene.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Lahav Shani conducts Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, a symphony that the composer premiered less than a week before his death and was later nicknamed for the passion and suffering it expresses. Daniil Trifonov takes the spotlight in former CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates’ Piano Concerto, a journey through three stylistic sound worlds, from Renaissance dance music to Romantic-era brooding to a contemporary finale imbued with strains of jazz and minimalism.

Tzvi Avni

Events

Past events

May 9, 2025

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra — Munich Philharmonic — Shani · Dresdner Musikfestspiele

8 - 11 May, 2025

Avni Mahler · Munich Philharmonic

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