American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

08/05/2011

Written by Peter Marck

When Zubin Mehta put down the baton after the performance of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4, the Israel Philharmonic said good-bye to its home of 55 years.  Heichal Hatarbut, otherwise known as the Mann Auditorium, is finally undergoing a long awaited renewal. Hopefully, we'll be back in 16 months.

Backstage, players cleaned out their lockers and photographed last-minute mementos while orchestra chairs, percussion and pianos were wrapped in plastic for the move to the orchestra's guest house.  Our next rehearsals will take place prior to leaving for the European Tour. Upstairs, the office and music library have been filling boxes with records and files, orchestra parts and scores.  Finally the phones and electricity were disconnected.

During the last month, groups of engineers and architects have shared the backstage area with the orchestra. The building's foundations have already been exposed in anticipation of re-enforcing them with concrete.  Walls have been marked with signs "Wall to be Destroyed" or "Don't Touch!" (the men's bathroom).

After 37 years in the same locker, I took my time sorting through my belongings.  I half expected to find a historic piece of rosin, a program from a tour of 30 years ago, or a bow that I hadn't seen for a few years, but aside from dried–up shoe polish, there were no surprises.   Mostly, I separated the old "tails" which were headed for the dry-cleaner from the new "tails" which will go on tour.

The renovation begins!

Peter Marck is the IPO’s Principal Bass. Click here to view Peter’s photos