Beethoven, whose 250th birth anniversary is celebrated this year, needs no introduction as the huge colossus who towered over the development of nineteenth-century Classical music. Less well known is Mendelssohn’s fundamental contribution to the history of music. The huge impact he exerted in his brief life in so many musical spheres included his own great masterworks, his many innovations in conducting – he was the first conductor to use a baton – and his indefatigable efforts to resurrect the music of the past, in particular that of Johann Sebastian Bach. Mendelssohn left an indelible imprint on musical history that remains with us until this day.

We are delighted to welcome some of Israel’s foremost musicians to perform the music of these two great composers which also includes some of their more rarely performed chamber works. In addition, we are very pleased to announce this year’s exciting collaboration with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, with the participation of many of the Orchestra’s outstanding leading musicians and with the live streaming of the concerts on both the IPO and the Festival websites. 

I personally am extremely distressed not to be able to join you this year, to experience together with you all the joy of shared music making. But the music must go on and the combination of inspiring music performed by the most outstanding musicians makes me happy in the knowledge that our Festival, in whatever circumstances, can bring joy and stimulation in these difficult times. We who are unable to be with you, cannot wait to see you again, we miss you, we are with you in our thoughts, and we are united in the hope that we will see you again as soon as possible.