Eroica: The Israel Chamber Orchestra Opens the 2026-2027 "Classical Season"

The symphony at the heart of Ludwig van Beethoven's "Heroic Period," originally written in honor of Napoleon, became a symbol of heroism and grief for the cost of war. At the Tel Aviv Museum, October 22 – 23.

The Israel Chamber Orchestra opens the 2026 – 2027 season with the work "Eroica" by Ludwig van Beethoven. Ruben Gazarian, Musical Director and Chief Conductor, addresses the subscribers and the general public:

"In these particularly turbulent times, where many people feel as if the world is being swept into a violent storm with an unclear horizon, it is precisely art, and especially music, that offers solace to the human soul, brings a sense of peace, and lifts us closer to paradise. For me, personally, the extraordinary power and magic of music have been a source of grounding in moments of crisis. I believe most artists can testify to similar experiences.

As you browse our programs for the upcoming season, you will find a rich selection of masterpieces—powerful works that deeply shaped the course of music history and continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Another highlight of the upcoming season is the outstanding Israeli soloists who will appear in almost every program. This unifying element was given central artistic priority in planning the season, and I am particularly proud of it. We look forward to welcoming you on each of these evenings and sharing with you the unique and moving experience of live music. Looking forward to meeting you all." So says Ruben Gazarian, Musical Director and Chief Conductor.

About Eroica:

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Opus 55 (known as "Eroica" — Italian for "Heroic"), is a musical work and symphony that many consider the herald of the dawn of the Romantic era in classical music. In 2016, according to a survey conducted by BBC Music Magazine among 151 conductors, the symphony was ranked as the greatest symphony of all time.

This symphony is one of Beethoven's most famous works. His original intention was to dedicate it to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he admired along with the ideals of the French Revolution. However, Beethoven realized it was not financially viable to dedicate the work to Bonaparte and instead dedicated it to Prince Lobkowitz, naming it "Bonaparte." A famous anecdote in this context is found in the writings of Beethoven's student, Ferdinand Ries. In May 1804, when Ries told Beethoven that Napoleon had crowned himself Emperor, Beethoven became enraged, took the first page of the score in his hands, and tore it up.

Beethoven wrote most of the symphony around the end of 1803 and completed it in early 1804. The first performance of the work took place in the summer of 1804 at the castle of Prince Lobkowitz in Bohemia. The public premiere took place at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on April 7, 1805, conducted by the composer alongside a work by Anton Eberl (information sourced from Wikipedia).

Eroica - Season Opening:

Ruben Gazarian, conductor (Germany–Armenia)

Isabel Villanueva, viola (Spain)

Pēteris Vasks | Concerto for Viola and String Orchestra

Ludwig van Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55, "Eroica"

Where: Tel Aviv Museum - Recanati Hall

Duration: 2 hours

Price: 220 NIS

When:

Thursday 22.10.2026 at 20:00

Friday 23.10.2026 at 12:00

Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Recanati Auditorium