The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 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 talent 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.
