Avi Avital describes Antonio Vivaldi's mandolin concertos as "the Old Testament of my instrument ." The mandolinist recorded some of them, including the D major concerto RV 93, around ten years ago – and received excellent reviews for their work. This baroque masterpiece is then followed by a leap in time of almost 300 years: with a piece that Fazıl Say recently composed for Avi Avital. The commissioned work was created in close collaboration, with the Turkish pianist and composer having long been on the mandolinist's wish list because "his musical language includes the integration of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music." "In this respect, we are both very similar as artists," says the Artist in Residence for the 2025/2026 season. The result is a work that is tailor-made for the artistic personality of the Israeli musician. "When I look at the music, I recognize a lot of myself in it," he says of the new mandolin concerto, with which he has once again expanded the repertoire for his instrument. With conductor Ariel Zuckermann, Avital's friend is not only conducting the Duisburg Philharmonic, but also his preferred candidate for the 2nd Philharmonic Concert. "I've known him for many years and have played with him often," says Avital. "He has exactly the right temperament for this kind of music."

Master of the Mandolin

CityPalais

Twenty years ago, Kolsimcha began playing traditional klezmer music at Jewish weddings, and even then, they developed the concept of "Contemporary Klezmer," combining Eastern European musical traditions with jazz and classical elements. Flute, clarinet, piano, double bass, and percussion create stylistically open, distinctive soundscapes beyond all common klezmer clichés. Together with the MDR Symphony Orchestra, they explore diverse musical traditions around the world.

Ariel Zuckermann

Events

Past events

15 - 16 Oct, 2025

Master of the Mandolin · Duisburger Philharmoniker

Aug 29, 2025

Klezmer jetzt! - Kolsimcha · MDR-Sinfonieorchester

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Sinfonietta by Poulenc

Duisburger Philharmoniker

Conductor in Lute concerto in D major by Vivaldi

Duisburger Philharmoniker

Conductor in Mandolin Concerto by Say

Duisburger Philharmoniker

About

Ariel Zuckermann hasn't added a bio