Members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) and the Munich Philharmonic joined forces in Dresden for a concert to commemorate the end of the Second World War. Under the direction of Lahav Shani, Music Director of the IPO and Chief Conductor of the Munich Philharmonic from September 2026, they performed the piece "Prayer" by the 97-year-old composer Tzvi Avni, who was present, and Gustav Mahler's 6th Symphony.
The Kreuzkirche, which was burnt out in the Second World War and rebuilt, served as the stage for the concert, which was also a kind of prelude to the Dresden Music Festival, which begins on May 18. The audience stayed for a long time after the Mahler symphony, which bears the nickname "Tragic", before erupting into loud applause. Shani had to step in front of his orchestra again and again. The desks were equally occupied by musicians from Munich and Israel.
Concert as a sign for peace and understanding
The musicians wanted to send an impressive signal for peace and understanding with their performance. The concert was not only intended to reflect the anniversary of the liberation from the Nazi reign of terror 80 years ago, but also to document the beginning of the history of reconciliation between Israel and Germany.
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