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Violinist David Radzynski '12MM appointed concertmaster of Israel Philharmonic

David Radzynski

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed David Radzynski '12MM as its concertmaster. Radzynski, from Columbus, Ohio, was selected following an audition that ended on Dec. 19 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He will assume his position in March 2015.

Thirty violinists were invited to compete for the position through a pre-screening process by the Orchestra. Radzynski, one of four finalists, earned the appointment after performing Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto alongside the IPO and maestro Zubin Mehta. He was announced as unanimous winner by the jury after only five minutes of deliberation.

“I am still trying to digest all that is happening,” said Radzynski. “It is such an incredible honor. I would not have succeeded if it weren't for Ben Sayevich and the incredible support I have received.”

“From the first time I heard David play, I knew he was a major talent,” said Sayevich, distinguished Lithuanian-Israeli violinist and professor of violin in the ICM. “I am so thrilled that he is being recognized by world-renowned musicians such as Mehta.”

Radzynski, who earned his Masters of Music from Yale in 2012, won the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Young Musicians Competition in 2001, he later appeared as soloist with the Polish National Philharmonic in Warsaw, and was awarded first prize in the solo competition (senior division) of the American String Teachers’ Association. He is currently an Artist Diploma student at Park University’s International Center for Music.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was founded by violinist Bronisław Huberman in 1936, at a time when many Jewish musicians were being fired from European orchestras. Its inaugural concert took place in Tel Aviv on December 26, 1936, and was conducted by Arturo Toscanini. The IPO presents a variety of concert series throughout the season including special concerts for the Israeli Defense Forces. The IPO also tours the world’s cultural centers and prestigious festivals annually, and contributes to the absorption of new immigrant musicians. The Orchestra has hosted many of the world’s greatest conductors and soloists, while developing Israeli artists and young talents throughout Israel and abroad.