The Israel Philharmonic has announced its extension of Principal Conductor Lahav Shani’s contract.

Shani began his work with the orchestra in 2020 and the new contract will extend until 2029.

Shani is also the Chief Conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra where he began in 2018. He was appointed the Chief Conductor of the Munich Philharmonic in 2023 and will begin his term in 2026.

The conductor was previously Principal Guest Conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.

Sheani’s relationship with the Israel Philharmonic began in 2007 when he performed as a pianist and continued in 2010 when Maestro Zubin Mehta invited him to join the Israel Philharmonic on its Far East tour as a pianist, assistant conductor, and double bass player.

Shani is a winner of the Gustav Mahler International Conducting Competition in Bamberg and guest-conducted major orchestras such as the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Gewandhaus Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony, London Symphony, La Scala Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra.