The upcoming program features the rendition of Debussy's "Prelude in the Afternoon of Faun," Crussel's Clarinet Concerto No. 1, and Brahms's Symphony No. 2. Despite the prevailing shadows of war casting a dark veil over the country, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is gearing up to mark the commencement of its 87th concert season.

Yair Mashiach, the secretary-general of the IPO, expressed, “In these challenging times, we believe that music plays a crucial role. The IPO's melodies contribute to our national resilience and serve as a testament to our enduring existence. Thus, the return to the realm of music is of great significance.”

The IPO's inaugural concert, part of the Children’s Philharmonic series on November 26, will feature "The Wizard of Oz." The performance will be led by conductor Guy Feder and accompanied by actors Shay Humber and Ben Perry. This show not only incorporates renowned selections from the play but also includes music from Dukas, Mussorgsky, and John Williams.

The children's concert is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Charles Bronfman Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.

Continuing on November 30 at Tel Aviv Bronfman Auditorium, the IPO concert series will extend to venues like the Haifa Rappaport Hall and the Jerusalem Theatre. The internationally acclaimed guest conductor Alexandre Bloch and solo clarinetist Sharon Kam will be featured artists, defying the current security situation.

For families residing near the Gaza border, who have been displaced from their homes, the concerts will be offered free of charge. The updated program, comprising Debussy's "Prelude in the Afternoon of Faun," Crussel's Clarinet Concerto No. 1, and Brahms's Symphony No. 2, will be presented without intermissions, considering the security concerns. The concerts are set to commence at 7 p.m.

Bloch, having previously served as a guest conductor for the IPO, is the music director of Orchestre National de Lille and has established a distinguished career leading prestigious orchestras across Europe and the United States.

Sharon Kam, renowned as one of the finest clarinetists, hails from Israel. She initially studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York with Charales Neidich and made her debut with Zubin Mehta and the IPO at the age of 16. Kam enjoys an international reputation as both a soloist and chamber musician, boasting an extensive list of acclaimed and award-winning recordings.