Porträt Lahav Shani

Any pianist who performs alongside Yefim Bronfman and Martha Argerich in a three-part concert series has made it and ranks among the elite in their field. But Israeli Lahav Shani goes even further. He has also been one of the world's most sought-after conductors since winning the International Gustav Mahler Competition in 2013 at the age of 24.

 He has been principal conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018, a position he will give up in 2026 in favour of the Münchner Philharmoniker, which sees him as a suitable successor to Valery Gergiev. At the same time, Lahav Shani remains artistic director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. He made his debut with the orchestra at the age of 16, at that time as a soloist on the piano. In 2020, the musicians decided to entrust him with the legacy of the legendary Zubin Mehta, who had been in office there since 1969 and had shaped a truly glorious era.

 Three orchestras that are of crucial importance to the highly talented conductor and his still young career. Shani will be performing with all three in Cologne, where he will also be appearing as a pianist. And as already mentioned, Yefim Bronfman and Martha Argerich are also expected to appear.