Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion
The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion (ISO) (in hebrew: התזמורת הסימפונית הישראלית ראשון לציון) was founded in 1988 by the municipality of Rishon LeZion. A year later, in 1989, it became the resident orchestra of the Israeli Opera in Tel Aviv. In a short period of time, the orchestra was accepted as one of the leading and innovative musical organizations in Israel. Like the opera orchestra, ISO participates in all performances of Israeli opera at the Tel Aviv opera and in the great outdoor performances, crowned in recent years with performances at the Masada Festival.[1]
Among the musical directors of the orchestra are: Shimon Cohen, Noam Sheriff, Asher Fisch, Mendi Rodan, Dan Ettinger and James Judd. The newly appointed music director and principal conductor is Dan Ettinger (again). The Director General is Ofer Sela. ISO offers a variety of subscription series, family concerts and special performances for young and old members of the community. The symphonic, vocal and opera works of various musical eras are performed by internationally acclaimed directors and soloists.
For its dedication and outstanding achievements in the progress of the original Israeli works, the ISO has been awarded the ACUM Prize. It has been the first Israeli orchestra to publicly perform works by Richard Strauss, Alexander von Zemlinsky and others, ISO plays an important role in important local events, festivals and concerts, and creates a vital community impact of quality in its classical music programs, Contemporary music, popular Israeli songs and popular music, contemporary dance, modern art, film and other media.
The ISO has toured the stages of Europe, China and South America, performing in the most prestigious festivals and concert halls, receiving great acclaim from both the public and the press. ISO records works for radio and television, and has released a series of compact discs including Israeli premieres.
