American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

Necessitated by the lack of substantial Israeli government subsidy or endowment for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, AFIPO's purpose was crystallized in 1980 through the joint vision of Fredric Mann and Zubin Mehta, who created an endowment fund in the United States to ensure the IPO's future. The following letter was written by Mr. Mann on May 24, 1982 to American friends who recognized his vision.

Dear Friends, As President of the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra I am honored to write these few words as we proceed with our campaign to establish an Endowment fund for the Orchestra. For me, this campaign has special meaning. Twenty-five years ago I had the honor to be part of another campaign for the benefit of the Israel Philharmonic- then our goal was to build a permanent physical home for the Orchestra in Israel. We succeeded: twenty-five years later, the Fredric R. Mann Auditorium is still standing and the Orchestra regularly performs in that hall, exhibiting for all the citizens of Israel the degree of musical excellence which has become its hallmark.  Now the friends of the Orchestra are going forward with another venture of equal importance. Having taken care of the body, we are now concerned with the soul. Our new Endowment Fund can truly be the means of providing the Orchestra with the resources which will enable it to survive and flourish as an example of cultural achievement by a proud, if often beleaguered people.  I am enormously pleased that Zubin Mehta has joined our effort as Honorary Chairman of the American Friends. Twenty-five years ago his name and his talent were known only to a select few. Today he is one of the towering figures on the world music scene. Zubin is not a "fair-weather" friend of the Orchestra. He has stood with it- and in front of it - in good times and in bad, in wartime and in peacetime, always providing the inspired musical leadership without which no combination of musicians, whatever their talents, could ever be called an orchestra. A few months ago the Orchestra elected him Music Director for Life, thereby guaranteeing that their long association will continue for many more years.  But one aspect of that relationship is not free from doubt- what will be the fate of the Orchestra in years to come? Will it continue to be one of the great symphony orchestras of the world? Will it become even greater? Our new Endowment Fund can provide an answer. It can be the cornerstone for years of growth and development for a unique institution. Once again, the Israel Philharmonic's future is in our hands. Fredric R. Mann

Since1981, generous contributions from thousands in the United States and Canada have generated over $15 million in AFIPO's Herman S. Sandler Endowment Fund, helping to secure the Orchestra's financial future, while providing general operating support. 

Fredric Mann's message resonates today with the same energy and importance as it did in 1982. Concerned with supporting the consistent quality of the IPO now and looking to insure its future financial security, American Friends continuously strive to accomplish Mr. Mann's original goal. Americans with ties to Israel have always recognized the importance of the IPO's role in Israel, and throughout the world, and have been a vital component in helping to sustain the Orchestra.

The colorful history of the AFIPO which follows has come full circle to Fredric Mann's final words, "Once again, the Israel Philharmonic's future is in our hands."

1981 - 1985

October 4, 1981

Ambassador and Mrs. Abba Eban and Mr. and Mrs. Zubin Mehta invited a select group of people to the first evening of festivities and music to benefit the Endowment Fund of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The evening was at the home of and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mann.

December 19, 1982

The AFIPO commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bronislaw Huberman, founder of the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Huberman was renowned and loved for his acts of humanitarianism and for his unique artistry as a violin virtuoso. American Friends attended the Gala concert in Tel Aviv. Conducted by Zubin Mehta, participants in the Huberman Week tribute included world master concert violinist virtuosos Ivri Gitlis, Ida Haendel, Shlomo Mintz, Isaac Stern, Henryk Szeryng and Pinchas Zukerman. Proceeds from the ticket sales benefited the IPO Endowment Fund.

June 3, 1982     Zubin Mehta conducted a joint concert of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic on the stage of Avery Fisher Hall. This Two Philharmonic Benefit was sold out.

May 2, 1983     

Itzhak and Toby Perlman hosted an American Friends benefit dinner in their home. Co-Founder and president of the AFIPO, Fredric R. Mann and Zubin Mehta were also present. Attended by 25 guests, the party turned into a 'surprise birthday party' for Mr. Mehta and raised over $400,000 for the IPO Endowment Fund.

July 29, 1984     

The most exciting cultural event during the 1984 Olympic Games took place when Zubin Mehta conducted Itzhak Perlman and the IPO at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Benefiting the American Friends of the Hebrew University and the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the concerts Honorary Chairpersons were Barbra Streisand and Ambassador Fredric R. Mann. Gregory Peck hosted the evening. 

March 13, 1985     

With Zubin Mehta, conducting, and Itzhak Perlman, as soloist, the IPO performed an all-Tchaikovsky program at Carnegie Hall. This was the first IPO solo benefit for the Endowment Fund sponsored by the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. 

April 3, 1985     

Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Sackler hosted an evening in their home to benefit the Endowment Fund. This important dinner, in the history of the AFIPO, greatly enlarged the core circle of American Friends that understood the significance of the endowment fund to both Mr. Mehta and Mr. Perlman and the commitment they had to the future of the IPO. Pianist, Navah Perlman, along with cellist, Matt Haimovitz and violinist, Gil Shaham performed in a trio creating a festive evening.

1986 - 1990

September 13, 1986		Leonard Bernstein, on the occasion of the IPO's 50th Anniversary, conducted the IPO at Avery Fisher Hall in his original 15-minute composition entitled "Jubilee Games" created especially for this event. Mr. Bernstein was a strong champion of the Orchestra from its beginnings and was made Laureate Conductor of the IPO in 1988. "My first encounter with the Israel Philharmonic occurred at the time when its name was the Palestine Symphony Orchestra, and we all seemed to feel with this first programmme that it was the beginning of a long relationship. I was invited back in 1948 and I was so excited about this wonderful orchestra, the singularity of it, a unique orchestra made up of concert masters from all over- Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Prague. That's the miracle of the Israel Orchestra that they became infused with this original sprit that created them." - Leonard Bernstein
November 1987		The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra received an official invitation to travel to Warsaw, Poland for an unprecedented cultural event. This was the first time an Israeli entity had an invitation to visit a Soviet bloc country, but it was also an opportunity for one of the world's greatest democracies to be represented in Poland. During this historic tour the IPO also traveled to Hungary.
November 1988		Mona Riklis Ackerman hosted a ground-breaking AFIPO soiree. In the neo-classic salon of her Fifth Avenue apartment, Itzhak Perlman gave a recital- the only one he had ever given in a private home up to that point in time, if you don't count the White House. Over $1 million was raised in support of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
November 6, 1989		American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra sponsored a celebration honoring Zubin Mehta's 25th Anniversary as Music Director of the IPO. Maestro Mehta conducted guest soloist Itzhak Perlman and the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, followed by a dinner honoring Mr. Mehta in the Helen Huntington Hull Room at Avery Fisher Hall.
March 1990		AFIPO Co-Chairmen Zubin Mehta and Itzhak Perlman created the Israel Philharmonic Society to encourage annual support of the American Friends.
May 16, 1990		The first major Chicago AFIPO fundraising event was a rare, in-home private recital of Itzhak Perlman. Hosted by Irving and Joan Harris, the evening exceeded the AFIPO $1 million goal.
April 1990		The IPO made history when they toured the Soviet Union with concerts in Moscow, Riga and Leningrad. Albert Schussler, President of the AFIPO and his wife Claire led a group of American and Canadian Friends on the excursion with the Orchestra. At the final concert of this significant tour, Itzhak Perlman played Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in the same concert hall where the great Russian composer conducted its first performance exactly 150 years ago. Mehta, speaking in Russian to the audience after three encore performances, discussed the important link in cultural ties being forged between Israel and the Soviet Union. CBS Weekend News agreed and covered this event by broadcasting it across the nation.  During this tour Itzhak Perlman filmed Perlman in Russia (Angel/EMI video) which depicts the IPO's historic tour. In 1992, the PBS documentary of this historic trip to the Soviet Union with the IPO was honored with an Emmy award as Best Music Documentary.

1991 - 1995

March 12, 1991     Marking the 25th Anniversary of Itzhak Perlman's debut with the IPO, AFIPO organized a memorable Gala, sponsored by Sony Classical. During the reception at The Pierre, Zubin Mehta paid special tribute to his dear friend and colleague, Itzhak Perlman. He was assisted by Alan King, Isaac Stern, Kathleen Battle, Emanuel Ax, James D. Wolfensohn, Howard Gottlieb, Jerome Lowenthal and Avi Shoshani. Together they entertained everyone with a comical song prepared by Sammy Cahn just for the evening. The Gala, which also launched the IPO's 1991 North American Tour, was sold out way in advance and raised $400,000 to underwrite the tour.

December 2, 1991     The inaugural meeting of the Young Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was held at the Hotel Wales, a New York City landmark on museum mile, followed by a private screening at Carnegie Hall of "Perlman in Russia". Also, in attendance at the screening were members of the Israel Philharmonic Society of the AFIPO.

December 15, 1991     In Los Angeles, Vidal Sassoon chaired a spectacular evening at the home of Ginny and Henry Mancini for the benefit of the IPO Endowment Fund. A select group of individuals enjoyed the evening's festivities which included dinner with Zubin Mehta and a private recital by the world renowned violinist, Midori. $1.1 million was raised at this important West Coast event.

"I have traveled with quite a few orchestras, but anywhere the IPO plays, whether it is Tokyo to Buenos Aires or Los Angeles to Moscow, a whole new dimension permeates the audience at each and every concert, spreading the word about the face of Israel that very few know." - Zubin Mehta

March 26, 1992     At the home of the Ambassador of Israel, Honorable and Mrs. Zalman Shoval, in Washington DC, a private recital and dinner was held for members of the AFIPO Israel Philharmonic Society. Israeli musicians Sharon Kam and Itamar Golan performed. Ambassador Shoval and AFIPO President Albert Schussler addressed the growing DC Israel Philharmonic Society.

May 1992     AFIPO Patrons toured Spain with Zubin Mehta and the IPO. The Orchestra's tour commemorated the 500th anniversary of the expulsion of Jews from Spain. The Orchestra performed with guests Placido Domingo and Isaac Stern in the presence of Her Majesty, Queen Sophia.

November 4, 1992     Honoring Zubin Mehta, Itzhak Perlman gave a third, in-home private recital for the AFIPO at the New York home of Dr. Mona Riklis Ackerman again this very special evening exceeded the AFIPO $1 million goal. 

"It is only for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra that I make an exception and give private in-home recitals. I do so wholeheartedly because of my love for the Orchestra, a musical institution on par with any of the great symphony orchestras of the world. It is my firm belief that the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is Israel's most eloquent cultural ambassador." - Itzhak Perlman

February 4, 1993     Reviving the AFIPO interest in the Chicago area, world renowned flutist, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and pianist, John Steele Ritter, performed a private benefit recital for guests at the home of Joan and Irving Harris. Zubin Mehta and Itzhak Perlman were among the guests that rejuvenated awareness and created the AFIPO Mid West Council. 

August 1993     During the first Annual Berkshire Weekend, American Friends, showing tremendous support for the IPO, attended Shabbat dinner at the home of Anita Howe-Waxman, enjoyed an IPO open rehearsal and than attended the Tangelwood performance by the Orchestra under the direction of Zubin Mehta. Guest soloists were Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman. Lola Jaffe, Chair of the New England Region of the Israel Philharmonic Society, has hosted this popular weekend, which has become an AFIPO tradition, for the past 10 years.

February 3, 1994     Israel's Foreign Minister Shimon Peres gave a moving speech at AFIPO's Annual National Gala about the peace and beauty of the IPO music. He commended the AFIPO Co-Chairman and the IPO's Music Director for Life, Maestro Mehta and AFIPO Co-Chairman and soloist for the Gala, Itzhak Perlman for their invaluable contributions.

April 1994     Toby and Itzhak Perlman traveled to Israel with their children, Noah, Leora, Rami and Ariella, and American Friends for a 10 day tour. The trip had a family orientation and included a Passover Seder in Tel Aviv, music, history, gastronomic delights and meetings with many interesting Israelis, including Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and President Shamir.

Fall 1995     AFIPO announced the formation of The Huberman Society in recognition of individuals who chose to make a deferred gift to the IPO. Founding members were Ruth and Charles Gold, Samuel L. and Perry Haber, Robert Mann, Arthur and Rebecca Marshall and Gershon Swet.

1996 - 2000

Winter 1996     The IPO Oral History Collection, under the direction of Perry Haber, an AFIPO volunteer and avid supporter of the Orchestra, completed the transcriptions of taped interviews from a wide range of memoirists who have been involved with the Orchestra since 1936. Their memoirs capture and preserve personal reflections, life-experiences and recollections of their association with the Orchestra. The taped interviews and transcriptions are housed, in addition to the IPO Archives in Israel, in the Department of Musicology of the Rubin Academy of Tel Aviv University. A set is also housed at Harvard University in the Judaica Division of the Widener Library. For more information about the Widener Library, click here.

December 1996     AFIPO Board members experienced a unique musical journey in Israel when the IPO celebrated the 60th Anniversary Jubilee Festival with an extraordinary assemblage of talent performing with Zubin Mehta and the IPO. Guest artists included Yefim Bronfman, Mischa Maisky, Midori, Shlomo Mintz, Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Isaac Stern, Maxim Vengerov and Pinchas Zukerman. AFIPO was a principal sponsor of the Orchestra's 60th Anniversary Gala Program, taped in Israel and nationally telecast on PBS. The Jesselson Family and the Judith and Burt Resnick Family were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. The 90-minute production transports the viewer to the Mann Auditorium to see and hear highlights of the music festival.

Winter 1997     World renowned violinist Midori performed at an intimate recital and dinner at the home of Ellen and H. Irwin Levy in Palm Beach. During dinner Midori addressed the gathering: 
 

"My association with the Orchestra only goes back to 1988, but I have grown so close, not only to them, but to the people of Israel, that I now consider Israel my home-away-from-home and the Orchestra my musical family."

Over the years Midori has been a valued friend to the American Friends, performing at numerous special events, family programs and active member of the Associates.

Spring 1998     AFIPO raised over $2.5 million to underwrite the IPO's United States Jubilee tour for Israel's 50th Anniversary. Over 100,000 Americans had the opportunity to witness first hand the remarkable music of the IPO. From San Francisco to Philadelphia the tour was an overwhelming success.

April 26, 1998     Four million people across America tuned in for CBS News Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, featuring the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The program vividly and powerfully depicted the singular relationship between music, Israel and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

February 25, 1999     90 American supporters joined international friends of the IPO, witnessing the Orchestra's first performance in the extraordinary setting of Buckingham Palace, when they performed for his Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The spectacular evening infused new enthusiasm into the American Friends, especially for the many young Associate Patrons, who witnessed the excitement the IPO generates to audiences world-wide.

June 1, 1999     Over 900 people gathered at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall for the New York premiere of The Red Violin. American Friends and Lions Gate Films hosted this fundraiser that benefited the IPO Violin Fund. Directed by Francois Girard, the film depicts the 300 year history of an exceptional Italian violin and stars Samuel L. Jackson. The evening's events were co-chaired by Peter Gelb, David and Rochelle Hirsch, Carol and Melvin Newman, Jane and Robert Schwalbe, Susan and Peter Schweitzer, Beverly Spitzer and Howard I. Stein.

January 2000     

KeyNote, the AFIPO sponsored Education and Outreach Program of the IPO, was established under the direction of Irit Rub-Levy. Ms. Rub-Levy and members of the IPO developed a comprehensive music education program to reach out to all sectors of the Israeli community for children from kindergarten to high school.

 

 

March 2000     The celebration of Zubin Mehta's 30th Anniversary with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was enjoyed bi-coastally with festivities in both New York and Los Angeles. In New York, conducted by Maestro Mehta, guest violin virtuoso Maxim Vengerov performed with the IPO at Carnegie Hall followed by dinner at The Plaza. This event was co-chaired by Lauren and John Veronis. In LA, Mehta led the IPO and world-renowned violinist, Isaac Stern at UCLA's Royce Hall. The evening's festivities were co-chaired by Susan Bay-Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy, Annette and Peter O'Malley, Rikki and Fredric Rosen and Margo and Irwin Winkler.

2001 - 2005

August 22, 2001     The AFIPO honored the Chicago Founders, who had the foresight and dedication to support the IPO since 1991, at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park. Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman and Orchestra members greeted the evening's honorees at a post concert dessert reception.

September 11, 2001     AFIPO was deeply affected by the tragic bombing of the World Trade Center. The death of our Board President, Herman S. Sandler, was a great loss to all who were privileged to know him. In honor of his memory, and his dedication to our organization, the AFIPO Endowment Fund was renamed the Herman S. Sandler Endowment Fund.

December 12, 2001     A Musical Evening of Dreams, sponsored by the AFIPO West Coast Chairman's Council, celebrated our West Coast supporters with a glorious evening hosted by Dennis Tito at his luxurious hilltop estate. Honoring Zubin Mehta with a private recital on this special evening was his friend and world renowned violinist, Pinchas Zukerman. 

June 19, 2002     American Friends is a major underwriter of the Keynote Education and Outreach Program of the IPO. One of the arms of the KeyNote Program is the Arab-Jewish Ensemble, an ensemble of eight musicians from the IPO and the Arab community, who performed at the beautiful St. Bartholomew's Church in Manhattan. It was a wonderful evening of harmony, both musical and humanitarian.

January 21, 2003     Mehta & Maazel, 2 Maestros, 2 Orchestras. An amazing event took place at Avery Fisher Hall when the IPO and the NY Philharmonic performed together on one stage. It has been 20 years since these two Orchestras joined forces for such a unique concert. Maestro Mehta conducted Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 and Maestro Maazel conducted Mahler's Symphony No. 1. The joint benefit was Co-Chaired by Carol and Jerry Levin, Toby and Itzhak Perlman, Elaine and Charles Petschek and Elizabeth and Felix Rohatyn the evening raised a total of $1.6 million, equally benefiting both Orchestras. 

May 15, 2003     American Friends joined International Friends of the IPO when they traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia to celebrate the cities 300th anniversary and to enjoy the performance of the IPO at the illustrious White Nights Festival. The Orchestra performed Mahler's Third Symphony at the Mariinsky Theatre on May 18th. One of the most memorable experiences of this excursion was the Orchestra's performance at the Grand Choral Synagogue. The response to the IPO from the Russian Jewish community in the hall was overwhelming. The IPO Russian tour was generously sponsored by Mr. Lev Leviev, international business man and philanthropist. 

December 10 - 15, 2003     Sold-out performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Carnegie Hall in New York made this year's IPO United States Tour, conducted by Zubin Mehta, the most successful to date. The AFIPO Benefit in Los Angeles honored Edye and Eli Broad and was Chaired by Nancy and Zubin Mehta, Annette and Peter O'Malley and Margo and Irwin Winkler. At the Kennedy Center, in spite of the snow and cold which delayed the Orchestra's arrival to DC, the performance was described by The Washington Post as "Smashing". The DC event was chaired by Irene and Abe Pollin, with Honorary Chairmen Ambassador and Mrs. Daniel Ayalon. In New York, Maestro Mehta conducted the IPO and world renowned guest violinist, and AFIPO Co-Chairman, Itzhak Perlman. The Benefit was Chaired by Mrs. Lily Safra, with the help of Co-Chairs Audrey and Martin Gruss, Marie Joseé and Henry R. Kravis, Ingeborg and Ira Rennert and Lauren and John Veronis. The IPO also performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and was sponsored by AFIPO Patrons Judith and Stewart Colton. The AFIPO Benefits raised $2.7 million for the Orchestra during this tour. 

December 14, 2003     When the IPO arrived in New York City, the snow and wind were wreaking havoc on the city streets, but inside Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, families were warmed by the exceptional eight-piece IPO KeyNote Brass Ensemble that brought humor, music and learning into the lives of children, parents and grandparents who came to enjoy the AFIPO Family Music Day. The hour long musical performance and dialogue with the musicians was followed by brunch, fun activities and crafts. IPO KeyNote musicians are not only teaching children the wonders of music in Israel, but throughout the United States, as well. The Ensemble also performed at the Milken Community High School in Los Angeles.

February 18, 2004     When Zubin Mehta and Diane Belfer asked valued friends to become Founding members of the East Coast Chairmen's Council (ECCC) of the American Friends, the response was a generous $500,000. On February 18th, Mrs. Belfer hosted a luncheon to welcome the members of the ECCC and to kickoff the AFIPO Palm Beach Gala, on March 23rd, which marked the return of the IPO to Florida. Special guest and AFIPO Co-Chairman, Itzhak Perlman, attended the lunch and spoke about the importance of the IPO. A surprise musical guest, pianist Rohan de Silva, performed for the group. 

March 2004     Stunning, emotional, superb- these were a few of the adjectives used to describe the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, led by IPO Principal Conductor Yoel Levi, during the eleven city March 2004 United States tour. The Orchestra performed in Cleveland, Boston, Chicago, Danville, Atlanta, Norfolk, Ann Arbor, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami and Daytona. Guest soloists, pianists Emanuel Ax and André Watts and violinist Pinchas Zukerman, joined the Orchestra in different cities throughout tour. Sponsored, in part, through the generosity of Billi and Bernie Marcus and the AFIPO, the Orchestra enjoyed rave reviews from Boston to Miami. 

August 12-15, 2004     American and international friends of the IPO came together for the tenth Berkshire Weekend Celebration, which raises funds in support of the IPO KeyNote Education and Outreach Program. Hosting the weekend was AFIPO Board member and Berkshire resident, Lola Jaffe. Throughout the weekend AFIPO Patrons enjoyed a tour of the Norman Rockwell Museum, a recital by violinist Ilya Gringolts, a "meet and greet" with pianist André Watts, a highly acclaimed, interactive program with Israeli conductor, Itay Talgam and performances at Jacob's Pillow, the Berkshire Theatre and Tanglewood.

January 2005     In October, the West Coast Chairmen's Council (WCCC) launched the 2004 West Coast Challenge Campaign in response to a challenge grant from WCCC member Ruth B. Ziegler. The successful efforts more than doubled the initial grant and raised $1.7 million, setting a new record for AFIPO's fundraising on the West Coast. On January 22, 160 patrons celebrated the success of the campaign at a black-tie evening hosted by WCCC members and long-time AFIPO benefactors Karen and Gary Winnick. One of the evening highlights was a recital by violinist Pinchas Zukerman and pianist Mark Neikrug.

May 2005     American, International and Israeli friends of the IPO traveled to Berlin, Germany to join Zubin Mehta and the Orchestra for an historic experience celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany. At the Philharmonie, the home of the Berlin Philharmonic, Maestro Mehta, the IPO and guest violinist, Maxim Vengerov performed an all-Beethoven program. The Israeli and German Presidents, Moshe Katsav and Johannes Rau and the Israeli Ambassador to Berlin, Shimon Stein were in attendance. The evening's concert was sponsored by German and Israeli friends Josef and Bareket Buchmann, Israeli friend Mike Fliderbaum and American friends Rochelle and David Hirsch.

June 2005     Sheshbesh, the Arab/ Jewish Ensemble, a unique part of the acclaimed KeyNote Education and Outreach Program of the IPO, traveled to the United States on a tour sponsored by AFIPO West Coast Chairmen Council members Susan Bay-Nimoy and Leonard Nimoy and the AFIPO. The Ensemble performed at Temple Israel of Hollywood in Loa Angeles, as part of The Nimoy Concert Series; at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco and at Temple Hevreh of Southern Berkshires in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

September 27, 2005     The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors, and invited guests, enjoyed a 25th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of AFIPO at the Kosciuszko Foundation on Tuesday, September 27th. A cocktail and dessert reception, with a musical presentation by AFIPO Board member and renowned pianist, Emanuel Ax, made the commemoration of this important milestone complete.

2006 - 2010

February 16 and 22, 2006		70th Birthday Celebration for Zubin Mehta and The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In New York the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and IPO Music Director for Life, Zubin Mehta, were the guests of honor at the 70th Celebration Benefit hosted by American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday, February 16. Co-Chaired by Lord Jacob Rothschild, Lily Safra, and James Wolfensohn, the evening began with a concert by the Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and continued with a black-tie dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street. Performing artists and guests converged from many parts of the world for the occasion-Zubin Mehta from Munich, guest soloist, pianist Lang Lang from Vienna and the Orchestra from Israel. This memorable one-night-only event was attended by more than 500 AFIPO Patrons. In Los Angeles, AFIPO's 70th Birthday Celebration for Zubin Mehta was hosted by Cheryl and Haim Saban on their estate on Wednesday, February 22. Over $1.4 million was raised in support of the Orchestra's programs. Maestro Mehta introduced four young musicians from Israel who represent everything that is exhilarating about music and Israel. Zubin Mehta's dedication to these young artists, and many others studying in Israel, is the embodiment of the IPO's commitment to the future of music in Israel. Sidney Poitier, in his toast to Mehta, told the audience that he had to set aside his prepared remarks after watching the young musicians, because he was so personally moved by them. He said that he was chosen to toast Maestro Mehta, but that by bringing these young artists from Israel to perform for us, Zubin had instead toasted us.
July 11, 2006		In an intimate setting of dinner and conversation, members of the Midwest Chairmen's Council (MCC) and AFIPO Friends in Illinois shared a special evening with Itzhak Perlman, AFIPO Board Co-Chairman, and Yoel Levi, IPO Principal Guest Conductor. The artists spoke about their relationships with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, sharing their unique perspectives as conductors, musicians and friends of the IPO. The evening was hosted by MCC members Harriette and Ted Perlman and Joan Holland and Eli Glassman.
November 2006		Reaching millions of classical music fans throughout the United States, the Heartbeat of a Nation: the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at 70 radio program began on November 2nd. The series of twelve, two-hour, weekly programs, was narrated by violinist, Itzhak Perlman. The special programs coincided with the IPO's 70th Anniversary celebration. During the two-hour weekly broadcasts the audience enjoyed full-length, recorded live at the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv, concerts performed by the IPO and conducted by the most celebrated Maestros of our time: Zubin Mehta, Herbert Blomstedt, Christoph von Dohnanyi, Gustavo Dudamel, Ivan Fischer, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Yoel Levi and Daniel Oren. Guest artists, included violinists Joshua Bell, Leonidas Kavakos, Sayaka Shoji, Maxim Vengerov and Pinchas Zukerman, pianists Saleem Abboud Ashker, Boris Giltburg and Fazil Say. Interviews with Zubin Mehta, IPO musicians, historians, critics, soloists and conductors shared their personal insights and memories of the Orchestra, with stories dating back to the IPO's inception in 1936.
December 3, 2006		The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., selected Zubin Mehta to receive one of the five Kennedy Center Honors of 2006. Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen Schwarzman said, "This year we honor five extraordinary international artists whose abundant contributions to their fields are remarkable. They have transformed the culture of our country and the world. Conductor Zubin Mehta's profound artistry and devotion to music make him a world treasure." Recipients are recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts, with the primary criterion in the selection process being excellence. The other recipients for the 29th annual Kennedy Center Honors were Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Steven Spielberg and Andrew Lloyd Weber. The Honorees were saluted by stars from around the world at the Kennedy Center's Opera House on Sunday, December 3rd.
December 17- 31, 2006		The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra celebrated its 70th Anniversary with a two-week festival in Israel. The IPO presented two weeks of unforgettable performances and star-studded events at the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv, the International Convention Center in Jerusalem and the Haifa Auditorium in Haifa. The IPO was conducted by Music Director Zubin Mehta and guest conductors Daniel Barenboim, Valery Gergiev and Kurt Masur with guest artists Yefim Bronfman, Evgeny Kissin, Radu Lupu, Mischa Maisky, Julian Rachlin, Gil Shaham, Maxim Vengerov and Pinchas Zukerman. The highlight of the two weeks took place on December 26, the actual date in 1936 when Arturo Toscanini raised his baton to lead the "Palestine Orchestra" in its inaugural concert. The following American Friends' Patrons traveled to Israel for this historic trip: Judith Colton and AFIPO Board member Stewart Colton, Toby and Lester Crystal, Beverly and Bruce Gladstone, Caryn Espo and David Gold, Rochelle Hirsch and AFIPO Board Vice President David A. Hirsch, Midwest Chairmen's Council members Joan Holland and Eli Glassman, Ben Lissman, Gloria Miller, Penny Pincus and AFIPO Board member Claudio Pincus, Sarah Rockler, Gillian Sandler, IPO International Board member Suki Sandler, Audre Slater, the late Leah Superstein, immediate past AFIPO Board President Lynn Syms, AFIPO Board President Elaine Wolfensohn, husband James Wolfensohn, Naomi Wolfensohn, David R. Weinberg, Eugene Zuriff and Sherry Jacobson and AFIPO Associates Heidi Learner and Harold Barlowe, Anna Berenfeld and Benjamin Dattner.
January 10, 2007		The IPO String Quartet, endowed by the Richter Family, made its American debut at a private recital and dinner hosted by Ronald L. Lauder at the Neue Galerie in New York City. Honoring Zubin Mehta, this special evening's attendees included IPO String Quartet founders Judith and Jacob Richter and sixty AFIPO Board members, patrons and distinguished guests. The next day, the Quartet flew to San Francisco where they performed in the Pacific Heights home of Maribelle and Stephen Leavitt. Fifty AFIPO supporters learned first-hand from Avi Shoshani, IPO Secretary General, about the inception of this ensemble and enjoyed an evening of music and dining, raising over $75,000 for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The co-hosts for the event were the Leavitt's, Varda and Irving Rabin and Lydia and Doug Shorenstein.
February 2007		AFIPO Benefits in New York City and Los Angeles marked the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's 70th Anniversary five city United States Tour. The first two performances of the tour were at New York City's Carnegie Hall. On January 30th guest conductor and Honorary Life Member Lorin Maazel led the IPO and guest violinist Maxim Vengerov for a subscription concert at the Hall. Followed on Thursday, February 1st, with the AFIPO Benefit performance conducted by Zubin Mehta, with guest baritone Thomas Hampson. Benefit Co-Chairmen Charles Bronfman and, AFIPO Board President, Elaine Wolfensohn hosted the Benefit evening at the Waldorf=Astoria, with more than 600 AFIPO Patrons, Associates and IPO musicians enjoying dinner and dancing to the music of the Peter Duchin Orchestra. In San Francisco Zubin Mehta and the IPO performed at Davies Symphony Hall to a sold-out performance on February 4 (Super Bowl Sunday!). In Los Angeles, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the IPO performed two concerts. The AFIPO Gala evening on February 5th was Chaired by West Coast Chairmen's Council Members Helgard and Irwin Field and Ilene and Stanley Gold and Honorary Chairmen Karen and Jeff Morris and Bruria and David Weissman. A reception, following the concert, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, was enjoyed by 600 AFIPO patrons and guests. At the performance on February 6th, the IPO was once again led by Maestro Lorin Maazel.