Yoel Levi To Conduct Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at Van Wezel

The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra announced today that Maestro Zubin Mehta has been forced to bow out of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's upcoming 2019 U.S. Tour due to health reasons. Filling in for Mehta on the February 7th performance at the Van Wezel is Yoel Levi, one of the world's leading conductors, known for his vast repertoire, masterly interpretations and electrifying performances. The program remains the same, including Partos' "Concertino for Strings," Schubert's "Symphony No. 3" and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 6" ("Pathetique").

The IPO's 2019 U.S. Tour was to mark Maestro Mehta's final U.S. tour before he retires as Music Director of the IPO in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional musicianship and humanitarianism.

"The unexpected news of Zubin's cancellation is an unfortunate turn of events, but we are grateful to Yoel for stepping in to conduct what we know will be a very exciting and uplifting U.S. Tour for the IPO," said David Hirsch, President of the Board of the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Hirsch continued, "We had been looking forward to celebrating and honoring Zubin's immeasurable contributions to the Israel Philharmonic, during what would have been his final U.S. tour as Music Director. All concerts on this tour conducted by Yoel will still be performed in recognition of Zubin."

Levi has had a long-standing relationship with the IPO, notably as the first Israeli to serve as Principal Guest Conductor of the Israel Philharmonic. Levi is Chief Conductor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, a position he has held since 2014. Having conducted some of the most prestigious orchestras throughout the world and appearing with esteemed soloists, Levi has led orchestras in North America that include the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras, the Boston, Chicago and San Francisco Symphonies and the New York Philharmonic, to name a few.

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