Just in: Yannick goes to Israel

The Philadelphia Orchestra has just announced what will be only its second trip to Israel.

Its conductor will enjoy Tel Aviv. He has the perfect wardrobe.

(Philadelphia, February 13, 2018)—As part of its commitment to cultural diplomacy, The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the leadership of Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will tour Europe and Israel from May 24 through June 5, 2018. The visit to Israel—in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia—coincides with the country’s 70th anniversary and marks only the second time The Philadelphia Orchestra has traveled there since its inaugural visit in 1992. The Philadelphia Orchestra is the only major American symphony orchestra to travel to Israel during this anniversary year and only the third to ever visit the country; the last time an American orchestra visited Israel was in 1996.

Following a highly successful 2015 European tour, Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestra will return to the continent, bringing the renowned “Philadelphia Sound” to devoted fans in important musical cities, including debut performances at the Jean Nouvel-designed Philharmonie de Paris and the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. Other cities on the tour include Brussels, Luxembourg City, Düsseldorf, and Vienna. From there, the Orchestra will travel to Israel for performances in Haifa (Philadelphia Orchestra debut), Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. Pianists Hélène Grimaud and Jean-Yves Thibaudet will join the Orchestra as soloists.

“To have this remarkable opportunity to travel to Israel with the extraordinary Philadelphia Orchestra is a dream come true,” said Nézet-Séguin, who will make his first visit to Israel on this tour. “I also look forward to returning to Europe, where classical music is so deeply admired, and where we will bring our distinctive sound to some of the world’s most esteemed concert halls. It is incredibly fulfilling to represent our Philadelphia community abroad as cultural ambassadors. We look forward to bringing the spirit of our hometown audiences with us on our journey, as we share our magnificent music-making with those around the globe.”