Israeli pianist, 17, wins record deal

Israeli pianist, 17, wins record deal

News

norman lebrecht

August 20, 2021

Warner Classics have signed Yoav Levanon, a teenager who has yet to begin his army service.

Yoav started winning competitions at five years old.

Bertrand Castellani, Vice President of Warner Classics, says: ‘We have been following this child prodigy for several years now, watching his artistic temperament develop, as the prodigy to becomes an artist… We are very happy to start a long-term collaboration with Yoav today, and wish to accompany him to the top.’

 

Warner have also signed the South African cellist, singer, and composer Abel Selaocoe.

Comments

  • What is a “record deal” these days, when almost no one buys records, almost no one buys CDs and streaming pays almost nothing?

    • Sheila McLaren says:

      “Almost no-one buys CDs”?? Are you living up a tree?

    • Henry williams says:

      In the world of rock .record collecting is very big. The older generation of classical music
      Fans do not do streaming like me .they do buy
      Cds especially box sets which can be expensive.

  • Henry williams says:

    Did Barenboim do the 3 year army service when he
    Was a young man.

    • Jonathan Sutherland says:

      Barenboim is a citizen of Argentina, Israel, Palestine, and Spain.
      During military service time he was living outside Israel, principally in France.

  • Jonathan Sutherland says:

    Perhaps wealthy papa Shai Levanon is a private benefactor of Warner Classics as well as Verbier?
    Or does androgynous good looks take priority over real talent at Warner Classics these days?
    Being a baby wunderkind does not automatically ensure a mature career, despite immodest young Yoav stating that he is already a ‘great pianist’.
    See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SXuUnNY1LA15 at 15.56.

    • G says:

      This kid can really play. If you want to focus on his good looks and lineage instead of his great music making, that’s your choice! Enjoy! I’ll be enjoying his music instead.

    • Sheila McLaren says:

      I have watched and heard Yoav Levanon since he was so tiny that he needed to almost stand to reach the piano pedals. His is a rare talent. And I suspect you are an anti-Semite. Yoav’s family are good people.

      • Jonathan Sutherland says:

        I am not disputing that Yoav Levanon has talent but it is still a work in progress.
        Yes, he can play the notes but that doesn’t make an artist – despite the sheer arrogance of his claim that he is already a ‘great pianist’. He is not.
        At the age of 12 Daniel Barenboim was already acclaimed by Wilhelm Furtwängler as an extraordinary talent.
        No conductor even close to the calibre of Furtwängler has described Levanon in those terms or sought to work with him.
        And for your information, Jonathan is a Hebrew name.

      • Leopold says:

        Mentioning ties of his relatives to the company who contracted him has nothing to do with antisemitism. It helps explain why someone who doesn’t seem to have won any competition gets this contract.

        On the contrary, accusing someone of antisemitism without any reason is an obvious immunisation strategy on your part and makes one wonder about your motives.

      • Jonathan Sutherland says:

        I have no knowledge if ‘Yoav’s family are good people or not’ – which is in any case entirely irrelevant to a discussion and evaluation of Yoav’s musicianship.
        I would certainly never impugn the character of people I have not met.
        However it is a documented fact that Shai Levanon is a benefactor of Martin T:son Engstroem’s less than squeaky-clean Verbier Festival.
        Or is that an anti-Semitic comment as well?

    • Von Carry-On says:

      It doesn’t matter how much money his daddy has – a great pianist’s career cannot be purchased. That was proven by Tedd Joselson.

  • Mr. Yoav, I would love to hear you in person, When Are You Coming–To The Meyerhoff, Please. BRAVO!

  • Israeli pianist…I thought there were only Violinists in Israel ?

    • Sheila McLaren says:

      Then perhaps you should brush up on your knowledge by watching at least a few of the Israeli piano masterclasses, of which there are very many. The “masters” being Murray Perahia, András Schiff and a number of other great musicians.

    • esfir ross says:

      Today many wonderful pianists born and trained in Israel and very few outstanding violinists.

  • Sheila McLaren says:

    Immensely glad about Yoav. He is a delightful and deeply talented young man. I wish him well and trust he will cope happily in the often-cruel world of music.

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