Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Launches IPO Academy to Train the Next Generation of Musicians

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is taking a groundbreaking step in nurturing young, talented musicians with the launch of the IPO Academy, the first of its kind in Israel.

Designed to prepare aspiring orchestral players for careers in top-tier orchestras, the academy offers a two-year program combining mentorship, internships, and hands-on experience with the IPO.

The academy focuses on refining orchestral skills and preparing young musicians for the demands of professional life.

Under the guidance of IPO mentors, participants will receive one-on-one coaching, including advice on technical proficiency, mental preparation, and practical skills essential for orchestra life.

This includes sight-reading, audition techniques, and working with tight deadlines—critical elements for any musician pursuing a career in a world-class ensemble.

Program director Amit Melzer emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the academy, which offers more than just performance experience.

“Our goal is to provide these outstanding young musicians with a hands-on experience that will help them succeed in different performance situations. They will play in subscription concerts, participate in tours, and contribute to the IPO chamber music series and outreach programs in Israel’s peripheral communities,” he said.

The IPO Academy is the brainchild of IPO Music Director Lahav Shani, who spent two years planning the program, and is funded by donors Judy and Steward Colton.

This initiative aims to elevate the IPO’s education and performance standards to the level of Europe’s leading orchestras, benefiting both the academy’s participants and the orchestra itself.

The inaugural year of the academy saw its first round of auditions, with four young string players selected to join the program: Tamar Deutsch (cello), Inbar Segev Susar (viola), Alevtyna Rakhmanina (violin), and Nasif Francis (violin).

All are graduates of the prestigious Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University. Starting in 2025, the academy will hold auditions annually, inviting wind, string, and percussion players from around the world.

For Alevtyna Rakhmanina, joining the IPO Academy is a dream come true. Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, she began violin studies at age four and earned her degree from the Kyiv Secondary Specialized Music School.

At 17, she moved to Israel to continue her studies at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music. “Winning acceptance into the IPO Academy program is a huge step in my career,” she said.

“It’s all about practical applications of what I’ve been learning, and the mock auditions under professional conditions will prepare us for real-world scenarios.”

Rakhmanina’s experiences with the IPO Academy already include performances in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of legendary conductor Zubin Mehta.

She reflects on the valuable learning experiences gained from such opportunities, emphasizing the importance of performing under real-world conditions.

With its commitment to training the next generation of orchestral talent, the IPO Academy is poised to become a key player in Israel’s musical education scene.

It provides a unique opportunity for young musicians to develop the technical and mental skills necessary to succeed in the demanding world of professional orchestras.

Through this program, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is not only shaping the future of music in Israel but also making its mark on the global stage.