Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
In the last 30 years of playing in this wonderful orchestra, it is difficult to name one special unforgettable event, since there are so many of them. I would like to mention a few: Discovering all the Mahler symphonies throughout the years has been very special, especially since I had never heard them or played them beforehand. Playing with Artists such as: Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Ivry Gitlis, Ida Handel, Pinchas Zuckerman, Julian Rachlin, Yo-Yo Ma, Mischa Maisky, Gideon Kremer, Yefim Bronfman, Daniel Barenboim, and many more. Having conductors such as: Kurt Masur, Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, Christoph Eschenbach, Kirill Petrenko, Vladimir Jurowsky, Daniel Gatti, Giuseppe Sinopoli, James Levine and many more. Having the chance, luck and privilege, of playing hundreds of concerts under the one and only Zubin Mehta, is one of the most precious gifts I have received in my professional life.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
On my playlist you would find a variety of subjects: oldies such as Supertramp, Queen, Paul Simon, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, as well as a playlist my little son loves and has control of (yes the pandemic has broken all the rules we had about limited screen time…). You would also find documentaries about special historical events and personalities in French, German English, and Hebrew.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
During the pandemic I discovered many new cocking recipes to the pleasure of my three sons and husband (whom I met in the IPO 30 years ago…). I also continue to pursue my deep interest in the field of education (I am in my 3rd year of Walldorf education training to become a Walldorf educator). I also had the chance to help in the Walldorf Kindergarten and enjoyed it a lot. I also recorded some of the most beautiful chamber music with wonderful musicians. You can find the recordings on YouTube.

Something you wish to share about yourself?
when I joined the IPO in October 1990, I discovered that my late father, Assaf Bar Lev, had been a part-time guest player back in the 1950’s. He was a pianist at first and in his teens studied the bassoon thanks to a scholarship offered by the IPO…
On a personal note, I feel that the Pandemic brought a serious earthquake to our life and I am not sure how we will manage to heal the wounds and the pain it has brought. I am lucky to have the wonderful family I built at home, and I am blessed to be part of the Israel Philharmonic orchestra which has kept going very bravely, thanks to wonderful donors and talented artists who gave amazing support.