Israel Philharmonic Orchestra: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) is the leading symphony orchestra in Israel, and one of the top orchestras in the world. Originally the "Palestine Orchestra", it was founded by violinist Bronislaw Huberman in 1936, at a time when many Jewish musicians were being fired from European orchestras. Its inaugural concert took place in Tel-Aviv on December 26, 1936, and was conducted by the legendary Arturo Toscanini.

The IPO enjoys frequent international tours, and has hosted some of the world's greatest conductors. Particularly associated with the orchestra are conductors Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta. The former maintained close ties with the orchestra from 1947, while the latter (who is the same age as the orchestra) has served as its Music Director since 1968.

As of 1992, the composers most frequently performed by the IPO were Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn. The orchestra maintains a de facto ban on Wagner's work, due to his anti-semitism and the association of his music with Nazi Germany.