Carnegie Hall

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) returns to Carnegie Hall in three concerts led by Music Director Lahav Shani. Each program includes a symphony by Tchaikovsky and a significant work by Ben-Haim. Tonight’s program starts with a bonus: Bernstein’s soulful, but oft-overlooked flute concerto, Halil, which the IPO premiered under Bernstein’s own baton. Ben-Haim’s First Symphony, completed in 1940, is a multifaceted work that includes references to Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, direct quotes from traditional Persian Jewish music, and a theme from Ben-Haim’s final completed work before he left his native Germany. The concert concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, a forceful—and ultimately hopeful—contemplation on fate.