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The Israel Philharmonic Archive was established in the 1980s as part of the preparations for the orchestra’s 50th anniversary celebrations. It contains a unique collection of items reflecting the orchestra’s fascinating history since its founding in December 1936.

The archive holds a wide range of historical materials, including concert programs, posters, photographs, correspondence with conductors and soloists, newspaper clippings, audio and video recordings, artwork, and various memorabilia collected over the years.

In recent years, an extensive digitization process has been undertaken, during which thousands of photographs, programs, posters, and other archival items were scanned and documented. We take pride in making these historical treasures accessible to the public, aiming to share the orchestra’s rich cultural and historical heritage with diverse audiences both in Israel and worldwide.

The Israel Philharmonic’s digital archive includes approximately 5,000 concert programs from various orchestra series, special concerts, and recitals, as well as around 2,400 posters, publications, ephemera, and selected pages from the orchestra’s guestbook.

At the heart of the archive is the Murray S. Katz Photography Archive, containing over 10,000 rare photographs documenting significant moments in the orchestra’s history, on stage, behind the scenes, and during its tours in Israel and around the world.

The Israel Philharmonic was founded in December 1936, then known as the Palestine Orchestra, by the Polish-Jewish violinist Bronisław Huberman to provide refuge for talented Jewish musicians fleeing Nazi Europe, bringing together musicians primarily from Germany, Poland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. The orchestra’s inaugural concert in Tel Aviv was conducted by Arturo Toscanini, establishing its international reputation from the outset.

Following the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, the orchestra became a cultural symbol, performing at the Declaration of Independence and supporting the nation during times of conflict. The orchestra played a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s cultural identity by making classical music accessible nationwide, including in remote and immigrant communities.

With a permanent home at Tel Aviv’s Mann Auditorium (now the Charles Bronfman Auditorium), the orchestra embraced successive waves of immigrant musicians, enriching its sound and diversity. Celebrations of its milestones have featured world-renowned conductors and soloists, underscoring its prestige and resilience.

Over the decades, the orchestra earned worldwide acclaim through international tours and collaborations with legendary artists such as Jascha Heifetz, Leonard Bernstein, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and Daniel Barenboim. Under the long-standing leadership of Music Director for Life Zubin Mehta, the orchestra delivered groundbreaking performances that resonated deeply amid challenging times, solidifying its place among the world’s foremost symphonic orchestras.

In 2019, Lahav Shani became the youngest Music Director in the orchestra’s history. Under his leadership, the orchestra continues to expand its repertoire, engage new audiences, and strengthen its global presence. Today, the Israel Philharmonic stands as a lasting symbol of artistic brilliance, cultural resilience, and the unifying power of music, inspiring audiences worldwide.