Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Announces Virtual ‘Global Gala’ Starring World’s Leading Musicians Hosted by Dame Helen Mirren

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) will hold a virtual gala hosted by Dame Helen Mirren on Sunday, June 28. All proceeds raised will go to directly supporting the Orchestra as it recovers from the devastating financial toll of COVID-19 and forced concert hall closures.

The event will feature performances by Lahav Shani, the IPO’s Music Director Designate, IPO musicians and the Orchestra’s closest friends: Yefim Bronfman, Khatia Buniatishvili, Martin Fröst, Evgeny Kissin, Chen Reiss, András Schiff, Gil Shaham, Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth. The programme will also include special messages from Zubin Mehta, the IPO’s Music Director Emeritus, Gianandrea Noseda, its Principal Guest Conductor and Itzhak Perlman.

This landmark moment in the IPO’s history will be available to stream internationally, free of charge. Registration is required and is available at: https://www.ipo.co.il/en/virtual-ipo-global-gala/. The gala will stream on the IPO’s website and at www.medici.tv. Viewers will be able to donate as they watch the gala and afterwards.

"I'm thrilled to be hosting the Israel Philharmonic's first-ever global gala," said Academy Award-winning actress and the gala's host, Dame Helen Mirren. "This is not just a way to support the future of a world-class cultural institution since proceeds from the event will help recover some of the revenue lost during the current pandemic. This is also an opportunity to honour music's power to unify us during challenging times.”

“This is a momentous night. We are honoured and excited to bring the magic of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra beyond the walls of the concert hall and into people’s living rooms and hearts. We are so grateful to the exceptional Helen Mirren for standing together with Lahav Shani at the forefront of this event and leading this effort to sustain the orchestra’s immediate future.  Tonight, our friends join hands to support this orchestra and celebrate the power of music and the soul of Israel,” said Marsha Lee, Chairman of the IPO Foundation UK.