Leah Hollingsworth visits Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, New York, on 15 October 2025 for the performance of Prokofiev, Ben-Haim and Tchaikovsky
It was an emotional night at Carnegie Hall, and when the players of the Israel Philharmonic took to the stage for their first in a series of performances, many rose to their feet as eager applause welcomed the musicians (after a 20-minute delay owing to increased security and crowds).
Exceptionally sensitive string playing, beautifully shaped by Lahav Shani, was a highlight of Prokofiev’s Overture on Hebrew Themes before legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman joined the orchestra for the Carnegie Hall premiere of Ben-Haim’s Violin Concerto.
The Allegro began vigorously in the strings before the opening solo violin cadenza, which Zukerman performed with command and clarity of line. While the sound quality was a bit abrasive in some of the passagework, the lyrical melodies were beautifully shaped and played with luscious vibrato, projecting well throughout the hall and over the orchestra.
Difficult ricochet and pizzicato passages were given with character and impressive control. The second movement was powerful and seductively beautiful, especially the melodies in the highest register of the violin. A virtuosic cadenza introduced the finale, executed with rigour and determination.
The second theme was haunting and the dramatic ending elicited enthusiastic applause before a heartfelt and lovely encore (Ben-Haim’s Berceuse Sfaradite) highlighting Zukerman’s characteristically alluring sound.
A terrific performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony concluded the evening, notable for its outstanding wind solos and highly finessed string playing.
LEAH HOLLINGSWORTH
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