About the creation

The Concerto for Orchestra was commissioned by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Writing for this remarkable ensemble is a privilege, building on a history of inspiring artistic collaborations with its musicians.

When Music Director Lahav Shani informed me that the piece would feature in the opening program of the orchestra’s 90th season, I began to reflect deeply on its nature and purpose. Ultimately, I chose to write a Concerto for Orchestra – a genre that uniquely showcases the individual character, virtuosity, and collective creative power of each section.

The work comprises three large-scale movements that unite to form a single, continuous symphonic arc.

The first movement, a fiery and highly energetic Allegro, is built upon the principle of perpetual motion (Perpetuum mobile). Its musical fabric is driven by an unrelenting flow of energy, propelled by an almost explosive force that shapes the dramatic trajectory of the movement.

The second movement, Grave, is the most expansive section of the work and is divided into three distinct episodes. Each of them reflects an aspect of the inner drama and emotional tension that many of us have experienced in recent years. This music serves as a meditation on memory, loss, resilience, and the human condition in times of uncertainty.

The Finale revisits and transforms the dynamic energy of the opening movement. Here, an overwhelming and almost elemental force emerges from simple rhythmic patterns, generating an intense and relentless musical momentum. The concluding movement demands the highest level of ensemble precision, technical virtuosity, and artistic unity from every section of the orchestra.