What age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
Music was present in my life from a young age. Already when I was 5 years old I started eurhythmics lessons which developed to then piano lessons at age 7. Since I wasn’t a big fan of practicing the piano, and at some point I had to devote many hours of practice every day, I decided with my parents that a wind instrument would be a good solution. And so, at the age of 12 I have started my horn studies and gained both worlds: short practice periods, and playing in youth orchestras, but most importantly – keeping the music as a meaningful and beloved aspect of my life.

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
A few unforgettable moments: first one in 93’ or 94’ while being a soldier, I won an audition for being a soloist at a youth concert with maestro Zubin Mehta… no words can describe the feelings from this event.
The second is from my first tour with the orchestra – still not yet as a member. I will never forget playing Mahler’s 3rd in the Duomo of Siena. A feeling of utmost happiness.
Third memory is from the farewell tour from Zubin, and especially the concert in Barcelona. There I truly realized we are at an end of a legendary era of the orchestra, and facing a new one.

What do you love to do off stage?
There’s nothing like being at home. We spend so many evenings on stages, whether in Israel or abroad, that peaceful evenings where I can make dinner for my kids and tuck them in bed are really a supreme value. Other than that, we are a family who loves traveling. We try to travel around the country several times a year, and every summer (except the last one of course), we travel abroad to a nice green and chilly place, hike in nature and gain some “extreme” experiences for the kids.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
At home I barely listen to classical music, but some music is always present in one way or another. I love Israeli popular music – Sasha Argov, Matti Caspi, Yoni Rechter, Shalom Hanoch, and many others. They are all a part of the daily playlist, as well as the American rock, pop and progressive which are being played often at home.