“Spinning the globe for a spot where it can play for a knowledgeable crowd, conduct cultural diplomacy, and woo some important patrons, the Philadelphia Orchestra has put its finger on Israel,” writes Peter Dobrin in Tuesday’s (2/13) Philadelphia Inquirer. “The ensemble will perform in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa the first week in June, after another leg of the tour takes them to Vienna, Paris, and smaller European cities…. [Music Director] Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will lead this tour of 11 concerts starting May 24. Why Israel? … [Interim Co-president Ryan] Fleur said, ‘Israel is unique because it has a cultural diplomacy angle. While thousands of Americans visit Israel and it’s a great classical music location … there have not been a lot of foreign orchestral concerts.’ … The orchestra also wanted to build bridges with its Jewish supporters [and] is working with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia on a patron tour for the Israel part of the trip…. Pianists Hélène Grimaud and Jean-Yves Thibaudet will join the orchestra as soloists, as will organist Paul Jacobs…. A delegation from the state and city will join the orchestra to promote trade and tourism.”
Posted February 16, 2018
