The Dutch Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
We are honoured to inform you about the creation of the Dutch Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (DFIPO). This foundation has been started by Bob Drake in cooperation with Kobi Kurtz and Alon Ehrlich.
Since its inception in 1936, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) has been dedicated to presenting the world’s greatest music to audiences in Israel and around the world. The goodwill created by the tours is of enormous value to the State of Israel. As such, the IPO maintains its position at the forefront of cultural diplomacy and the international music scene.
The mission of the DFIPO:
“To help safeguard the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s future by providing financial support and promoting it within Dutch society as one of Israel’s foremost cultural ambassadors. “
About the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) was founded in 1936 by Bronislaw Huberman and its inaugural concert, on 26 December 1936, was conducted by Arturo Toscanini. The IPO plays in subscription series, including a special annotated Youth Concert Series, special concerts, concerts as part of the “Arts for the People” project throughout Israel, and special concerts for IDF soldiers at their outposts.
The IPO annually tours the world’s cultural centers and its prestigious festivals. Israel’s creative artists are promoted by many IPO premieres of works by Israeli composers. The IPO also contributes to the absorption of new immigrants and includes in its ranks many new immigrant musicians. The orchestra has hosted most of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists, and it also does much to develop Israeli artists and young talents from Israel and abroad.
In 1968 Maestro Zubin Mehta was appointed Music Advisor to the IPO and in 1977 he became its Music Director. Leonard Bernstein was named IPO Laureate Conductor in 1988, in 1992 Kurt Masur was appointed Honorary Guest Conductor and since the 2001-02 season Yoel Levi has been Principal Guest Conductor of the IPO.