Israel Phil soloists show solidarity with hostages

From our special correspondent in Tel Aviv, Dan Yakir:

The Israel Philharmonic latest subscription concerts were conducted by the Greek violinist Leonidas Kavakos. In the first half he was joined by Emanuel Ax. They often play together and record as a piano trio with cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Ax played a most lyrical and poetic performance of Beethoven piano concerto No. 3. On Saturday he gave two encores – Chopin and Liszt. On Tuesday after thunderous applause he addressed the audience and said as follows: ‘From the bottom of my heart I dedicate the encore to my fellow pianist Alon Ahal [an Israeli pianist who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and is still held alive in captivity with 58 more hostages – part of them dead and part alive] and to the release of all the hostages.’

Kavakos who wore the yellow ribbon, a symbol to call for the return of the hostages, ended the program conducting a powerful performance of Prokofiev symphony no. 6 – which was last played by the IPO 42 years ago. The orchestra was on top form with the brass and woodwind players especially shining.