Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Comes To Van Wezel

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra makes its much anticipated Sarasota debut on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 8 p.m., featuring Maestro Zubin Mehta as he takes on his final tour with the IPO before stepping down as the orchestra's music director in 2019. The program includes Partos' "Concertino for Strings," Schubert's "Symphony No. 3" and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 6" ("Pathetique") on the Van Wezel stage! Maestro Mehta stated, "This upcoming U.S. tour with the Israel Philharmonic marks an important moment for me and for the orchestra."

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1936 by Bronislaw Huberman and its inaugural concert was conducted by Arturo Toscanini. The IPO plays in subscription and in special concerts and series throughout Israel as well as the world. Today, the IPO is the leading orchestra in Israel and globally recognized as a world-class symphonic ensemble.

In 1969, Zubin Mehta was appointed Music Advisor to the IPO and in 1977 he became Music Director. Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was named IPO Laureate Conductor in 1988. In 1992 Kurt Masur (1927-2015) was appointed Honorary Guest Conductor and since 2011 Gianandrea Noseda has held the position of Principal Guest Conductor. The IPO appointed Zubin Mehta Music Advisor in 1969, Music Director in 1977, and Music Director for Life in 1981. He continues to support the discovery and furtherance of musical talents all over the world. Together with his brother Zarin he is co-chairman of the Mehli Mehta Music Foundation in Bombay, where more than 200 children are educated in Western Classical Music.

Tickets are $87-$177 with limited sections remaining. Purchase at VanWezel.org, the Box Office or by calling (941) 953-3368. Groups of 10 or more should contact (941) 363-2025. This show is sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and WUSF Public Media.