What age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
I started playing when I was 14 years old.

What age did you understand that you wish to pursue a musical career?
After my army service as a fighter, I realized I want to pursue a career in music and I went to study in Germany and Spain.

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
Operas with Zubin Mehta, Midsummer Night’s Dream with Kurt Masur, Mahler 9 in Berlin, a freezing cold outdoor concert in a poor neighborhood in South America with an incredibly warm and welcoming audience, a concert at the royal palace in Bangkok, Matti Caspi with the IPO, the list never ends, really!

What do you love to do off stage?
Off stage I enjoy spending time with my family, exercise, cook, skateboard, I’m interested in current affairs, and I love hiking outdoors, especially near the beach.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
You can find anything on my playlist… classical, jazz, electronic, rock, hip-hop, and both old and new pop. I mainly like a complete type of music, which has no questions, performed but great masters, like in the classical music world. However this type of characterization exists in all genres.

What is the special significance of the IPO to you/Why did you want to be part of the IPO?
I could’ve never imagined that one day I’d be fortunate enough to play with the IPO. I was sure I could play in a good orchestra but never imagined it would be that good and in my homeland. Many musicians are being forced to roam after their profession, I had both a lot of luck and help from some good people. Playing in the IPO is a tremendous dream that came true.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
During this period I have developed my parental skills. I have three wonderful children, who are quite young, and they needed quite a bit of attention this past year.

How can we keep classical music and live performances relevant in the digital era?
In the digital era we are able to provide access to classical music to anyone with a computer or a cellphone. The digital future is all about taking advantage of the potential amount of exposure to this genre. There is no limit to the amount of people we can access. Through the people we can access, the audiences of live performances will grow.

Something you wish to share about yourself?
I believe we are facing a period which taught us how connected people are to music, and this period is about to end. I’m certain we will go back to play soon, and I truly miss it.