What age did you begin playing a musical instrument?
I started playing when I was 10 years old.

What age did you understand that you wish to pursue a musical career?
I remember when I was 14 years old, while studying in high school, I realized I’d like to pursue a musical career, although I was also a fan of science and medicine.

Name an unforgettable moment with the IPO
My unforgettable moments with the IPO: my audition with most of the orchestra members being present. Touring to Australia during my first year and randomly meeting Zubin Mehta at the hotel. He told me how happy he is I joined the orchestra, and he is pleased with my playing. The unforgettable 80th anniversary festival. Performing as a soloist on Schumann’s concerto for four horns, on a tour with maestro Mehta in South America. The farewell concert from Zubin in which we performed Mahler 2nd symphony.

What do you love to do off stage?
Off stage I love spending time with my family, teach and read. I also love cats and dogs very much.

Which kind of music would we find on your playlist?
I love all kinds of music. Classical of course, with extra fondness towards Baroque music, as well as pop, musicals, etc.

What is the special significance of the IPO to you/Why did you want to be part of the IPO?
For me the IPO is a family.

Did you acquire any new skills during the pandemic?
During the pandemic I ran the management’s meetings online. It required a new type of dialogue, listening and thinking with our wonderful team. Moreover, as a teacher at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music (TAU), I had to teach online during the lockdowns, which required developing a different type of listening and mentoring abilities.

How can we keep classical music and live performances relevant in the digital era?
In my opinion, classical music performances are most powerful when experienced live. There is no replacement for the impact which 100 musicians, playing all together in a beautiful hall like the Charles Bronfman Auditorium, can have on a listener. However most importantly, this pandemic has taught us all that people are in need of human connection. See, chat and experience a concert with the entire audience. That said, music in the digital era enables, people who cannot go to concert halls or just prefer to stay comfortable at home, listening to concerts from their own home. Therefore, we have to keep this momentum of making concerts accessible on all possible digital channels, while constantly improving the consumption experience of the digital content.

Something you wish to share about yourself?
Playing with the IPO for me is a lifestyle.