The Israel Philharmonic has a tradition of performing during times of crisis. Before and during the early days of the State of Israel, the IPO would hire buses to make the dangerous journey from Tel Aviv to an isolated Jerusalem in order to raise the morale of its residents. The IPO has always been there to give people strength and bring light to their lives.
Yet on Sunday evening, the IPO likely reached more people than ever before in a concert honoring the victims of the October 7 massacre. The live broadcast “Salute to Israel” was heard around the world.
From the start, the festive atmosphere of the broadcast emanating from the Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv was diminished – but not extinguished. The television commentator warned the audience of the possibility that a siren would sound during the performance, and if so, the musicians would have to leave the stage and go to a protected room. However, he assured them that they would return and the concert would continue.
Unity and determination amid an Israeli national crisis
Safety precautions for the audience were unnecessary because Bronfman Auditorium was empty – except for the soft footlights illuminating the 200-plus KIDNAPPED posters draping the seats, showing the men, women, children, soldiers, toddlers, and babies taken hostage two weeks previously by Hamas terrorists.
IPO Director of Music Lahav Shani addressed the global audience about the reasons for the concert, the incredible strength of music, and the solidarity of the citizens of Israel. “Our unity and determination in times of crisis overcomes our anger and pain,” he stated.
The concert began with “Hatikva,” played with nuance and feeling, followed by late Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim’s “Fanfare.”
From the first chord through to the last, Shani’s interpretation connected these elements seamlessly. Especially beautiful was his ability to give individual players and sections of the orchestra the musical space to shine in performance of their melodic material. The fugue in the second movement was especially precise and captivating.
The IPO gave an exceptionally fine performance that raised the morale of people all over the world while giving honor, respect, and prominence to those who were murdered or taken hostage as well as to the ordinary citizens who daily give strength and inspire courage.
The most poignant moment of the evening for this listener was the end of the concert. After the final chord of Symphony #3, the orchestra rose as one. They then turned with Maestro Shani to face the empty seats of the audience and stood at attention. The silence was complete, but if one imagined, you could almost “hear” the applause.