American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

06/17/2026

The Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית KeyNote Program recently completed activities for this school year, providing thousands of children from across Israel with music education experiences and special concerts. One of these incredible performances was the "Green Concert" for grades 3-6, created to highlight environmental awareness, nature, and natural resources. We hope you enjoy this video of these performances—to learn more: https://afipo.org/keynote-green-concerts/

06/12/2026

AFIPO is proud to help support performances like the "concert be k'tana" for young people—what a fun experience to hear Vasily Petrenko lead the Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית in this incredible program!

Original Post: Vasily Petrenko conducts Holst’s The Planets, accompanied by original video art by Yaara Nirel, alongside a suite from John Williams’s Star Wars and Trinity from John Adams’s Doctor Atomic Symphony.

05/21/2026

This Shavuot, we wish you and your family a joyous, meaningful, and inspired holiday.

05/15/2026

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05/05/2026

For nearly 90 years, the Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית has been a beacon of excellence and resilience, bringing the transformative power of music to audiences across Israel and around the globe. As Israel continues to face ongoing uncertainty and hardship in daily life, the Orchestra’s role is more vital than ever, offering moments of unity, solace, and inspiration to audiences at home and across the world.

As with all great institutions, the Israel Philharmonic relies on the generosity of individuals like you. By contributing, you sustain performances and invest in the legacy of hope, culture, and humanity that the IPO represents. We would be honored to have you as a partner in this mission. Every donation makes a meaningful difference.

Together, we can help ensure that the music never stops.

Give today: https://content.afipo.org/keMr-M44kQOi

04/29/2026

Happy 90th birthday to Zubin Mehta, Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית Music Director Emeritus, AFIPO Honorary Co-Chairman, and dear friend to us all!

04/24/2026

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Original post: The orchestra mourns the passing of Michael Tilson Thomas, a devoted friend of the orchestra.
A Jewish-American conductor, pianist, and composer, he was among the most prominent and influential musicians in the world of classical music in our time. His initial connection with the orchestra was fostered by Leonard Bernstein.
Over the years, he conducted the orchestra many times, and when the orchestra came to perform in San Francisco, he would attend rehearsals and concerts, listen, and be part of the Israel Philharmonic family.
We are grateful for his friendship and for the enduring connection over the years.
May his memory be a blessing.

04/23/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Tilson Thomas, one of America's most celebrated conductors. May his memory be a blessing.

It is with deep sadness that we let you know of Michael Tilson Thomas’s passing on April 22, 2026. In 2021, Michael was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive type of brain cancer. Through his illness he continued to make music—a testament to his legacy as an artist and communicator. He was preceded in death by his husband Joshua Robison, and passed away at home surrounded by loved ones and family. Joshua and Michael are survived by their sisters, nieces and nephews. 💙
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📷 Brigitte Lacombe

04/21/2026

In honor of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebration, we are delighted to share with you this Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית concert from the archives. Watch Zubin Mehta conduct the IPO with soloist Isaac Stern from the 30th Independence Day celebrations of 1978. The performance includes Paul Ben-Haim’s “Fanfare to Israel,” and Tchaikovsky’s beloved 1812 Overture. Stream the full concert on our website: https://afipo.org/yom-haatzmaut-2026/

04/20/2026

As Yom HaZikaron begins in Israel, we share this beautiful performance from the Israel Philharmonic - הפילהרמונית הישראלית of "A Song for the Holiday Eve."

Original Post: “A Song for the Holiday Eve” by Tirza Atar has, over the years, become an anthem of collective memory. It manages to capture the impossible dissonance between personal loss and national festivity. Atar wrote the song about three years after her father, the poet Natan Alterman, passed away, מתוך her own private longing at the heart of Independence Day celebrations.

This year as well, just before the city fills with joy, we remain with the longing for those who will not return. You are invited to listen to Lihi Toledano and the Philharmonic performing “A Song for the Holiday Eve,” conducted by Guy Feder.