At what age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
I started playing the piano when I was 5 years old, and violin when I was 10.

At what age did you understand that you wish to pursue a musical career?
I’ve always known it was my designation. Since my father was the principal timpanist for 45 years, I grew up and crawled on this stage, spending hours and hours next to him during rehearsals, and in the hall during the evening concerts, almost every single evening of my life!!

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
An unforgettable moment for me would be a year after I have joined the orchestra, in 1995, when I started speaking with the concertmaster Yigal Tuneh, a conversation which turned to a friendship, and then to crazy amazing love until this very day. At the orchestra not only that I do my favorite thing which is music making, but I also met the love of my life!!!

What do you love to do off-stage?
When I’m off stage I love doing sports, having coffee with friends, I love animals, and hiking in nature especially in the mountains. Preferably in Austria.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
I love listening to any type of good music. It doesn’t have to be classical, but of course I listen to it as well. I love Jazz, Pop, and some folk music from different countries.

What is the special significance of the IPO to you/Why did you want to be part of the IPO?
The IPO is home for me. I was born and raised here. I have absorbed its history and culture. I’ve listened to their concerts every single evening and even traveled with my dad to Haifa and Jerusalem for that. I also studied for a few years with the concertmaster back then – Chaim Taub. After a long career in Germany, serving as the concertmaster of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, as well as a member of the Munich Philharmonic, I’ve decided to pursue an Artist Diploma at Juilliard in NY under the guidance of Dorothy DeLay. But it was always very clear and natural for me that I would go back “home” to play with the Israel Philharmonic.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
Unfortunately I didn’t spend time on acquiring a new skill.

How can we keep classical music and live performances relevant in the digital era?
In the digital era, we are able to record our music and distribute it to our audience. This will become an integral part of our work, even in the post-Covid era, the same way as other orchestras have done it before, like the Berlin Philharmonic (Digital Concert Hall).
Something you wish to share about yourself
Something I’d like to share is about how excited I am about the “gift” the orchestra received – our new music director, Lahav Shani. An incredible musician, a lovely and brilliant human being, whom I believe will take our orchestra through a path of excellency to a well-respected spot among the world’s orchestras. I’m very proud to be a part of this artistic institution, to be able to contribute from my own knowledge and talent, and being a small screw in a well-oiled wonderful machine.
I’m also very happy and proud of the incredible IPO Foundation which supports the musicians and gives a sense of security in these tough times. This is also an opportunity for me to thank Tali and each and every one of you for all you do. Thank you!!!