Organ Recital Series to Open at the Hecht Museum in Haifa

After three challenging years, the season directed by organist and musicologist
Dr. Yuval Rabin will host a line of leading international performers.

The organ is the only musical instrument for which an original repertoire has been written for over 600 years. A representation of this variety is expected in the organ recital series in Haifa.

This year, the series will host leading artists from Israel, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and the United States. The diverse program will range from Czech symphonic music on the organ, works from the Renaissance to contemporary music, and of course, plenty of Bach, as well as works for organ and orchestra from the Rococo and Romantic periods.

Among this year's guests are:

Czech organist Ondřej Horňas, one of the prominent organists of his generation. He will perform, among other pieces, the famous "Moldau," which was likely the inspiration for our "Hatikvah"; German organist Gerhard Gnann from Mainz, one of the leading organists and teachers in Europe; Hungarian organist Tamás Lozsány; American organist Monty Bennett, who performs regularly in the United States and Europe; and Italian organist Rodolfo Bellati, also known for his research into historical organs and his performances of works by composer Marco Enrico Bossi. Alongside the international guests, the series' artistic director for the past 15 seasons, Dr. Yuval Rabin, will perform in several special concerts throughout the season.

The highlight of the season: A concert with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra, featuring two concertos for organ and orchestra: The Concerto in E-flat Major by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (version with horns), and Concerto No. 1 by Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901) in a local premiere, which is actually the first-ever performance of a Romantic organ concerto in Israel.

Alongside the series' recitals, and by popular demand, two concerts for children and youth will be held during Hanukkah (Dec 6, 2026) and during the Passover holidays (Apr 23, 2027), both at 11:00 AM.

The concerts in the series will take place this year on the third Friday of each month.

Dr. Yuval Rabin: "I am delighted that we have wonderful artists, friends of Israel, and personal friends of mine. After three challenging years in which concerts by guests from abroad were canceled or required last-minute ticket purchases, we hope for a calm season and to enjoy the innovations we've managed to introduce despite the great challenges."

Concerts in the series:

Oct 16, 2026: Yuval Rabin (Israel – Switzerland). Program: 2+1 works from different periods featuring two movements and an "additional" movement.

Nov 20, 2026: Ondřej Horňas (Czech Republic) - Czech Symphonic Music. https://www.youtube.com/live/3hRDOGoPrkk

Dec 18, 2026: Haifa Symphony Orchestra, Barak Tal (Conductor), Yuval Rabin (Organ). Two concertos for organ and orchestra, and more.

Jan 15, 2027: Gerhard Gnann (Germany) (Details to be announced)

Feb 19, 2027: Tamás Lozsány (Hungary) - Organ Sonatas (from Bach to the 20th Century)

Mar 19, 2027: Yuval Rabin (Israel – Switzerland) – Bach's Birthday

Apr 16, 2027: Monty Bennett (USA) (Details to be announced)
https://www.youtube.com/live/NvbiHQB7FWw

May 21, 2027: Rodolfo Bellati (Italy) (Details to be announced)

Jun 18, 2027: Yuval Rabin (Israel – Switzerland) (Details to be announced)

All concerts will take place at the Hecht Museum Auditorium at the University of Haifa, on the third Friday of each month at 11:00 AM. Subscription price for the series is 420 NIS, including the orchestra concert. Single ticket price is 90 NIS for a regular concert and 125 NIS for the orchestra concert. Children's concerts are 60 NIS (45 NIS for subscribers). Tickets can be purchased at this link.
For inquiries, call 054-817-3351.