Israel Philharmonic Appoint 29 Year Old Lahav Shani as New Music Director

The Israel Philharmonic has announced 29 year old Israeli conductor Lahav Shani as their new Music Director

The Israel Philharmonic has today announced Israeli conductor Lahav Shani as their new Music Director - effective from the commencement of the 2020/2021 season.

The 29 year old, who first appeared with the orchestra as a 16 year old piano soloist, will replace long time Music Director Zubin Mehta - who will be stepping down from the role in October 2019 after more than 50 years at the helm.

“It is a great honor to continue the path of a huge figure like Zubin Mehta … this orchestra has shaped my musical development from a very young age and my close connection to it has accompanied me for my entire artistic life,” Lahav has said.

“For us, this is not only the closing of a circle, but also the beginning of an exciting and promising future,” Philharmonic Executive Director Avi Shoshani has said.

A former 1st prize winner at the Mahler International Conducting Competition, Lahav also serves as Principal Guest Conductor with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra - and will commence his recent appointment as Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic in September of this year.

Israeli Philharmonic officials have indicated Lahav will begin working as Music Director Designate during the 2019/2020 season.

PHOTO CREDIT: Marco Borggreve