The Aviv Competitions were founded by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation, and provide vital support and exposure to top-tier musicians to help propel their careers to the next level. Early career musicians perform before panels of distinguished professional judges in their field, critics, and audiences, providing them with invaluable exposure and access to leading members of the industry, media, and the general public. The Aviv Competitions are a springboard for developing the contestants’ careers. Winners in each category receive a $6,000 prize, as well as Performance Prizes, Professional Mentoring Support, and a Recording Prize.
This year, musicians between the ages of 21-30 will compete in the following categories: Piano | Violin | Viola | Woodwinds
The Aviv Competitions 2024 will be held between December 23, 2024 – January 2, 2025 (candidates should be available for this entire period) in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Music Center Tel Aviv-Yafo and are supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
The first stage (Competitions) will be held between December 23-29, 2024 at Music Center Tel Aviv-Yafo, Hall B.
The schedule below lists each category. The entrance to the first stage is FREE of charge, but the number of seats is limited. Please ensure your entry by registering for each category of the Competitions you would like to watch.
Reserve your seat
The second stage (Finals) will take place on January 1 and 2, 2025, at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Recanati Auditorium.
At the end of the Finals, on January 2, 2025, there will be a Winners’ Ceremony in all categories, including the Prize for The Outstanding Performance of the Israeli Instrumental Piece. An entrance fee is applied to the Finals.
For tickets
Goldie Ruth Feldman (1928 – 2022) was born in the small town of Ozorow, Poland. In 1935, her family immigrated to Canada. They struggled to get by, but nonetheless lived a rich life, surrounded by relatives and a thriving Jewish community. Goldie married at a young age, and while her husband built the family business, Goldie devoted herself to her growing family while simultaneously pursuing outside interests: pottery, studying Hebrew, and volunteering for charitable causes. She had a natural appreciation of music and ensured that her five children received a musical education. Their home was always filled with music, especially live piano. Later in life, Goldie took piano lessons herself, fulfilling a life-long dream. Goldie never forgot the poverty of her early life and once in a position to help others, was immensely generous to numerous charities. In recognition of her generosity and in honor of her memory, the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation is proud to provide the Goldie R. Feldman Aviv Prize for Piano, one of the most prestigious music prizes awarded in Israel. Goldie’s legacy will continue by helping further the dreams of Israel’s most outstanding young pianists.
Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation
2024
Ilona Kornhauser was born in 1923 in Bratislava, then Czechoslovakia, as one of five children to Emil and Paula Kornhauser. She began to play the violin as a young child and developed the beginning of a solo career. In 1940 she had to go into hiding and in 1942 she was deported to Auschwitz where she perished. Her brother, Bob Kornhauser of blessed memory, who lived in Toronto, Canada, has established a fund to award prizes bearing her name to young talented Israeli violinists. Since 1999, these prizes are included in the Aviv Competitions every two years.
Kornhauser Family
2024
François Schapira was the Director of Music Activities at the Tel Aviv Museum of Arts. After Schapira’s death, in June 1975, his family, friends and the Tel Aviv Museum decided to establish a memorial in the spirit of one of the areas closest to him – encouraging musicians at the beginning of their artistic careers. The François Schapira Competition was founded and organized by the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art until it was merged into the Aviv Competitions in 1999.
America-Israel Cultural Foundation
2024
Susan and Emanuel (Bob) Kornhauser were born in Czechoslovakia. After surviving the Holocaust, they moved to Israel and then to Canada. This prize pays tribute to the three loves they shared- family, Israel and music.
Kornhauser Family
2024
Rafi Guralnik (1948-1990) spent most of his childhood in Beit Hakerem, Jerusalem. He played the piano from a very young age and developed a brilliant technique, which enabled him to acquire a vast repertoire of virtuoso works considered challenging even for professional pianists. He served in the IDF as a combat engineering officer and during the Six-Day War served in Sinai. Following the army service, Rafi began his studies at Tel Aviv University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He employed his engineering skills as Assistant Director General of several factories of the Israeli Koor Company, yet at the same time, he continued to dedicate his time and energy to his greatest love – the piano. Rafi married Esti and was a devoted father to his three daughters: Dafi, Anat and Nurit. The family’s home was a center for all their friends, and Rafi was renowned for his witty sense of humor and his love of people. Rafi’s sudden death, at the age of only 42, left his family and many friends with a tragic sense of loss. Rafi’s two great loves were the piano and human beings, therefore his family decided that the right way to commemorate his memory would be a prize for a talented young musician at the beginning of his way. The Guralnik family established a special trust, giving The Rafi Guralnik Prize for The Outstanding Performance of the Israeli Instrumental Piece.
Guralnik Family
2024
Viola
Mon, Dec 23, 2024 | 10:00-15:45
Piano
Tue, Dec 24, 2024 | 10:30-16:15
Wed, Dec 25, 2024 | 10:00-16:45
Woodwinds
Thu, Dec 26, 2024 | 11:00-14:15
Fri, Dec 27, 2024 | 10:00-12:30
Violin
Sun, Dec 29, 2024 | 10:00-15:30
* The Foundation reserves the right to modify the schedule at any time
Woodwinds
Wed, Jan 1, 2025 | 13:00-14:00
Viola
Wed, Jan 1, 2025 | 16:00-17:00
Violin
Wed, Jan 1, 2025 | 18:30-20:00
Israeli Instrumental Piece
Thu, Jan 2, 2025 | 13:30-15:15
Piano
Thu, Jan 2, 2025 | 16:30-19:30
Winners’ Ceremony
Thu, Jan 2, 2025 | 20:30-21:30
* The Foundation reserves the right to modify the schedule at any time
Eden Agranat Meged
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2012-2022
Third Prizewinner of the Leipzig International Bach Competition and Steinway Prize recipient, Eden Agranat Meged’s upcoming performances include his Wigmore Hall debut and Kirckman Concerts. He has performed with orchestras across Israel, Europe, and Argentina and has won first prize in the Lilian Davis Beethoven, Harriet Cohen Bach, Harold Craxton Chamber Music, and Coulsdon and Purley Festival Concerto Competitions. Eden, born in 2001, graduated with First Class Honours from the Royal Academy of Music and is currently completing his Master’s studies with Ian Fountain. He previously studied with Anat Paul and Adela Umansky in Israel, graduated from the Jerusalem Music Center Excellence Piano Program under Murray Perahia, and has participated in masterclasses of renowned pianists, including Emanuel Ax, Imogen Cooper, Richard Goode, and Menahem Pressler.
Boaz Halperin
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2022-2024
Pianist Boaz Halperin, born in 2003, has performed as a soloist with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and is a winner of First Prize at the 2023 “Piano Forever” competition in Ashdod, Third Prize in Kan’s “Young Artist” competition, and 2nd Prize in the Arianne Katcz Piano Competition at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music (BMSM). He has participated in masterclasses with Gilbert Kalish, Jonathan Biss, and Boris Berman. Currently studying at BMSM under Asaf Zohar, Boaz served as a Distinguished Musician in the IDF. He began to play the piano at age 9, and following a five-year break, he returned at 16 to study with Natalia Blumenfeld at the Israel Conservatory.
Ido Zeev
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2012-2021, 2024
“He is a big talent, a brilliant pianist, a very dedicated and sensitive musician…I highly recommend him to your attention”, commented Martha Argerich on the young artist’s playing. Pianist Ido Zeev, born in 1998, has appeared in some of the most significant international festivals, including Allgemeine Musikgesellschaft Basel (AMG), the Oxford Piano Festival, and the Santa Cecilia International Festival. In 2024, he debuted at the Martha Argerich Festival in Hamburg and at the Festival International de Piano de La Roque d’Anthéron as part of the New Generation of the Piano. Ido has worked with some of the world’s most esteemed musicians, including Nikolai Lugansky, Evgeny Kissin, Christoph Eschenbach, Menahem Pressler, and Boris Berezovsky, among others. He started his piano studies in Ms. Ganit Polin’s class at the age of 10 at the Givatayim Conservatory and continued his studies at the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts. He then received advanced guidance from Prof. Arie Vardi at Tel Aviv University.
Nabeel Hayek
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2014-2023
Pianist Nabeel Hayek, born in 2001, has performed as a soloist with major Israeli orchestras and given recitals internationally, including broadcasts on Israel’s “Kan Voice of Music” and performances in Hong Kong. He has participated in prestigious festivals including the Aspen Music School, Lieven Piano Foundation in Vienna, and Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Society, and has been coached by Murray Perahia as part of the Jerusalem Music Center’s program. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree at Juilliard with Julian Martin. Originally from Nazareth, Nabeel earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music under Arie Vardi and Asaf Zohar, having begun his studies with Ron Trachtman at the Polyphony Conservatory.
Romy Nevo
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2018-2024
Israeli-American pianist Romy Nevo, born in 2003, has performed as a soloist with major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic, under conductors Zubin Mehta and Lahav Shani. She has won top competition prizes, including first prize at the Arianne Katz Competition and second prize at the Israeli Radio & Jerusalem Symphony Young Artist Competition. Recently, she participated in the Oxford Piano Festival (2024) and PianoSummer at SUNY New Paltz (2023) and has taken part in masterclasses with Garrick Olshon, Igor Levit, Jeremy Denk, and Vladimir Feltsman. Romy has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s programs. Currently studying with Tomer Lev at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, Romy began her piano studies at age 4 in NYC and continued with Sara Tal at the Israel Conservatory.
Eliyahu Svetov
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2016-2019
Jerusalem-based pianist Eliyahu Svetov is an active soloist and collaborator in numerous concerts, festivals, and competitions throughout Israel, performing with various ensembles, duos, and choirs. Currently, he teaches at the Magnificat Institute in Jerusalem’s Old City and the Jerusalem Academy of Music. Born in 1996, Eliyahu completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Jerusalem Academy of Music under Prof. Michael Bogusalvsky, having previously studied with Larisa Baikin at the Jerusalem Conservatory.
Itamar Feinberg
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2016-2024
A prizewinner in various Israeli competitions, pianist Itamar Feinberg, born in 2003, performs regularly in solo and chamber music recitals throughout Israel. He has appeared with numerous Israeli orchestras and participated in international festivals. A participant in the Jerusalem Music Center’s excellence programs, including Murray Perahia’s summer course and the Goldman Program for chamber music, he has also performed in masterclasses with renowned artists internationally. Originally from Haifa, 21-year-old Itamar currently studies at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music with professors Asaf Zohar and Arie Vardi.
Alon Kariv
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2010-2017, 2020-2021, 2024
In 2023, pianist Alon Kariv won second prize at the international James Mottram piano competition in Manchester. Alon has won first prizes in Israel at the Young Artist Competition in 2022 and the “Piano Forever” Competition in 2020. Alon has collaborated with conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Yoel Levi, and others. He has performed with the Israel Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic, and many others. Pianist Alon Kariv, born in 1999 in Israel, is one of Israel’s most prominent young pianists. He started playing at age seven with Hanna Barzilay. At fifteen he began studying with Prof. Tomer Lev. Between 2017-2019, Alon studied at the Juilliard School with Yoheved Kaplinsky and Julian Martin. He has finished his bachelor’s degree at the BMSM with Prof. Tomer Lev and is now studying for his master’s with him and with Prof. Arie Vardi.
Tomer Rubinstein
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2018-2024
Praised by Lahav Shani as “a pianist full of inner power and intensity,” Tomer Rubinstein, born in 2003, won first place in the Kan Voice of Music Piano Competition and fifth place in the Tbilisi International Piano Competition at age 18. He has performed at festivals across Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Israel, and since his orchestral debut at age 14, he has appeared with numerous orchestras including the Georgian Symphony Orchestra and Israeli Sinfonietta Be’er Sheva. Currently 21 years old, Tomer studies at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music under Arie Vardi and Asaf Zohar.
Amir Ron
Pianist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2014-2024
Pianist Amir Ron, born in 2001, regularly performs as a soloist and chamber musician across Israel, Europe, and the US and currently studies at The Juilliard School with Robert McDonald. A Ravinia Steans Music Institute alumnus, he has performed with orchestras and in recitals in Italy and Israel. Winner of numerous competitions and a recipient of the Ronen Foundation & Buchmann-Mehta School of Music (BMSM) scholarships, he has served on the junior jury at both the 17th Rubinstein Piano Master Competition and 16th Concours Géza Anda. Born in 2001, Amir graduated from BMSM, studying with Asaf Zohar and Arie Vardi and previously studied with Sara Tal at Givatayim Conservatory and participated in Murray Perahia’s prestigious Jerusalem Music Center summer course.
Omer Hertz
Violinist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2019-2020, 2023-2024
First prize winner of the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music (BMSM) string competition (2022) and Jerusalem Academy of Music concerto competition (2020), Omer Hertz, born in 2001, regularly performs as a leading violinist with the Buchmann-Mehta Symphony Orchestra, where he has worked with conductors Lahav Shani and Alan Gilbert. He has appeared as a soloist with the Israel Camerata Orchestra, is a member of the Finale Ensemble, and is a former member of BMSM’s Gertler Quartet. Omer has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s programs. Currently studying with Hagai Shaham at BMSM, Omer began his violin studies at age 6, and his previous teachers included Mila Feldman and Roi Shiloah. He served as an outstanding musician in the IDF. He plays an 1852 Honoré Derazey violin on loan from the Ilona Feher Foundation and a bow from the Keshet Eilon collection.
Or Nakash
Violinist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2020, 2023-2024
Violinist Or Nakash, born in 2001, earned first-place honors at both the Eran Zoldan Competition and the FLAME International Competition in France, and was selected for the prestigious 14th Carl Flesh Competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and Israel Camerata and has appeared at venues like Victoria Hall in Geneva and Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. She participated in the Holland Music Session and the International Menuhin Music Academy and regularly takes part in the Keshet Eilon Summer Academy, Musethica, and Geneva International String Academy. Or has collaborated with renowned artists, including Shlomo Mintz, Renaud Capuçon, and Boris Garlitsky. She currently studies at Jerusalem Music and Dance Academy with Evgeny Bushkov and previous teachers include Chaim Taub and Marina Ziskind. Or plays a French violin on loan from AICF and William A. Schwarz (Z”L).
Michael Shaham
Violinist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2022
Violinist Michael Shaham, born in 2003, has performed with major orchestras worldwide, including the Israel Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic, Vienna Radio Symphony, Montreal Symphony, and National Symphony of Colombia. A laureate of prestigious competitions, including the Kreisler and Montreal competitions, he has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Gideon Kremer, Vadim Gluzman, and Grigory Kalinowsky, violists Lawrence Power and Ron Ephrat, cellists Gary Hoffman, Raphael Wallfisch, and Hillel Zori, and pianists Avedis Kouyoumdjian and Arnon Erez. A Curtis Institute of Music graduate, Michael is now studying at the prestigious Kronberg Academy. He performs on a rare 1714 Santino Lavazza violin, on loan from The Ryuji Ueno Foundation and Rare Violins In Consortium.
Roni Shitrit
Violinist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2017-2018, 2021-2024
Described as “an incredible young artist with a strong musical voice that is not to be missed,” Violinist Roni Shitrit, born in 1999, has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and in recital at the Bibliothekssaal Ochsenhausen after receiving the Bruno Frey Music Prize. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across Canada, USA, and Italy, while securing first prize in the MTNA Young Artist National Competition and Moscow International Online Competition. She has also participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s programs. An accomplished chamber musician, Roni has collaborated with renowned artists including François Benda, Ida Bieler, Jan Vogler, Peter Wiley, Tatjana Masurenko. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School with Li Lin.
Tom Shamrakov
Violinist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2012-2013, 2017-2024
Violinist Tom Shamrakov, born in 2002, is the first-prize winner in Spain’s Puigcerdà Music Festival and a finalist in the Mika Hasler Competition. He has performed as a soloist with prestigious orchestras, including the Jerusalem Symphony, Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic, and Kyiv Soloists Orchestra. Tom is an alumnus of the Perlman Music Program and is active in Musetica activities, where he was previously a member of the Musetica Israel Quartet. He has participated in the Aspen and Apple Hill Music Festivals and masterclasses with the Jerusalem, Balourdet, and Dover Quartets. Tom has participated in the programs of the Jerusalem Music Center. Currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree under Professor Paul Kantor at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. In the past, he studied with Michael Gaisler at Hassadna Conservatory. Tom completed his military service as an outstanding musician in the Israel Defense Forces.
Sara Umanskaya
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2017-2020, 2024
Sara Umanskaya – an Israeli violist, has participated in numerous programs and festivals, including the Perlman Music Program (2018), the Pablo Casals Festival (class of Gilad Karni), the Huberman Program (2017), and the Verbier Festival Youth Orchestra (2018, 2019), where she led the viola section. She was a member of the Jerusalem Music Center’s Goldman Quartet, coached by Sergey Bresler, and currently plays in a piano quintet coached by Zvi Plesser. She won first prize in the Raanana Music Center Spring Competition (2016-2018) and received the Leah and Itzhak Levine Scholarship (2017). Born in Russia in 2001, Umanskaya began her musical studies in 2009 with Marina Ziskind after moving to Israel and participating in the Talmim program for excelling musicians.
Maayan Gabel
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2022
Israeli violist Maayan Gabel has performed as a soloist with numerous Israeli orchestras, including a recent premiere of A. Levanon’s orchestral version of The Sacrifice of Isaac with the Beer-Sheva Sinfonietta. From 2021 to 2022, Maayan played as a tutti violist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, supported by the Colton Foundation. He received the 2020 Aviv Competition’s Audience Choice Prize and earned scholarships and awards from the Ben-Bassat, Lakner, and Ronen Foundations. He is currently studying under Professors Nobuko Imai and Wenting Kang at the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía, supported by a Fundación Albéniz scholarship. Born in 1998, Maayan graduated with honors from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, earning B.M. and M.M. degrees in the class of Lilach Levanon. A graduate of the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts and the David Goldman Program for Outstanding Young Musicians, he served in the IDF as an “Excellent Musician.”
Leah (Leikie) Glick
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2014, 2017-2020
Leah (Leikie) Glick, born in 1994, has performed worldwide in solo, chamber, and orchestral appearances in concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, and Menuhin Hall. She has participated in music festivals such as the Young Israel Philharmonic, Orford Music Festival, Classical Tahoe, and Keshet Eilon and is a recipient of the Ronen Foundation and the President Scholarships. Leikie won first prize at the Rudolf Barshai International Competition and the Fuchs Chamber Music Competition at the Manhattan School of Music. She is the founder, Artistic Director, and violist of Ensemble Finale, an up-and-coming Israeli ensemble performing throughout Israel and abroad. She completed her studies at the Juilliard School, Mannes School of Music, and Jerusalem Music Academy with teachers Roger Tapping, Molly Carr, Daniel Panner, and Michael Gaisler. Leikie plays viola made by Jonathan Hai generously on loan from Yehuda Zisapel.
Shira Shushan
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2015-2020
Shira Shushan, currently serves as Assistant Principal Viola of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and is an active chamber musician with Musethica alongside Avri Levitan, Zvi Plesser, and Michal Korman, among others. She has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s programs. First-prize winner of the Jerusalem Academy string competition, she has participated in masterclasses with renowned violists, including Atar Arad, Tatjana Masurenko, Molly Carr, Paul Coletti, Gilad Karni, Ori Kam, and more. Born in 1997 in Kiryat Shmona, Shira completed her Bachelor’s degree at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music with Hagai Shaham and her Master’s at the Jerusalem Academy with Tali Kravitz. Prior teachers include Eyal Shiloha and Igor Frug.
Noga Shaham
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2023
Second-prize winner at the 2021 Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competition, Noga Shaham, born in 2001, has appeared as a soloist with international orchestras, including the Jerusalem Symphony, Israel Symphony, and Württembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn. Noga has performed in chamber music settings with Gidon Kremer, Janine Jansen, Christian Tetzlaff, Gary Hoffman, and Jörg Widmann and prominent festivals such as Gstaad Menuhin Academy, Verbier Festival, Crans-Montana Classics, and Ozawa Academy. Born in 2001 to a musical family, Noga began her path as a violinist under the guidance of her father, Hagai Shaham, and Guy Figer. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in violin at the University of Arts Berlin with Nora Chastain and continues to study for her Master’s in viola at the Kronberg Academy with Nobuko Imai.
Katrin Spiegel
Violist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2017-2018, 2021-2022
As a member of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra under Daniel Barenboim, Katrin Spiegel, born in 1995, has performed at prestigious festivals, including Salzburg and Lucerne. She currently plays with the Israeli Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeTziyon and is an active performer and teacher across Israel. Katrin graduated with honors from the Barenboim-Said Akademie Berlin (2021), where she studied with Yulia Deyneka and Roy Shiloah at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. Her previous teachers include Chaim Taub, and Marina Ziskind and chamber music is an essential part of her education, enriched by master classes with musicians, including Itzhak Perlman.
Noy Beck
Flutist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2024
Winner of the 2024 Israel International Woodwind Competition in Kfar Saba and the 2023 Anton Rubinstein Flute Competition, Noy Beck has played as a soloist with the Haifa Symphony. She performs regularly as a principal guest with orchestras, including the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion, the Koblenz Festival in Germany, and the Israel Sinfonietta. Noy’s additional achievements include the “Yechiam-Peled” prize from the Buchmann-Mehta School and the Israeli Musicians’ Union, and the Concerto Competition of the Jerusalem Academy. She has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s Excellence programs.
Born in 1998, she is currently studying with Silvia Careddu at ZHDK in Zurich. Her previous teachers included Guy Eshed, Dejan Gavric, Yossi Arnheim, and Marta Mccave.
Evyatar Baruch
Flutist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2015-2024
Flutist Evyatar Baruch, born in 2001, has performed with the Israel Philharmonic, Jerusalem Symphony, and others under conductors such as Iván Fischer, Gianandrea Noseda, and Lahav Shani. He won the Paul Ben-Haim, Kfar Saba Wind, British Flute Society, and Buchman Mehta competitions. Evyatar has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s Excellence programs. He has played as a soloist with the Israel Camerata Jerusalem and Haifa Symphony Orchestra. He is a Master’s student at the Mozarteum with Michael Martin Kofler and completed his Bachelor’s degree at Buchmann-Mehta School with Guy Eshed. Born in Haifa, Evyatar has played flute and baroque recorder since he was young and studied with Naomi Rogel, Anna Gavrilov, and Yossi Arnheim.
Lior Michel Virot
Oboist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2011-2022
Lior Michel Virot, born in 1995, is the Principal Oboist of the Israel Philharmonic and previously held the same position with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (2017-2022). He has appeared as a soloist with prestigious orchestras, including La Scala Orchestra Milan, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and the Haifa Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared in world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonie, and Teatro Colón in Argentina. He has participated in esteemed international competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition and the Markneukirchen Competition in Germany. Born in Switzerland in 1995, Lior began studying the oboe with Boris Banti at the Netanya Conservatory in 2006 and continued with Boris Baev in 2009. He participated in excellence programs at the Jerusalem Music Centre and studied at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music under Dudu Carmel. Currently, Lior is pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf under Prof. Ralph van Daal.
Alma Sonenshtain
Flutist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2019-2024
Flutist Alma Sonenshtain, born in 2001, has appeared with the Israel Philharmonic and toured with the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. She has earned top awards in international competitions, including first prize at the 2021 “Severino Gazzelloni” Flute Competition, special prize in the 2023 Cluj Competition, and first prize in the Buchmann-Mehta School Wind Competition. She’s participated in the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra summer academy and the Zermatt Music Festival and Academy. She has also participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s Excellence programs. Alma is pursuing a Master’s at Paris Conservatoire with Philippe Bernold and completed her Bachelor’s at Buchmann-Mehta. She participated in the Young IPO from age 15, and served in the IDF as an Outstanding Musician.
Doron Hazan
Saxophonist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2016-2022
Saxophonist Doron Hazan, born in 2003, has garnered first prizes in ten international competitions across Europe, the US, and Israel, including the Hans Schaeuble Award (Switzerland), European Saxophone Forum (Poland), “Vitor Santos” International Saxophone Competition (Portugal), “Oberton” International Solo Competition (Austria), and Carnegie Hall Auditions (NY), among others. He has performed as a soloist with the Ramat Gan Symphony and NY Chamber Players Orchestra at Carnegie’s Weill Hall. Currently studying with Arno Bornkamp at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Previous teachers include Jean-Denis Michat in Lyon, Gan Lev, Gersh Geller, and Boris Gamer.
Lior Yoahimik
Clarinetist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2020, 2023-2024
Lior Yoahimik is an accomplished Israeli clarinetist who performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. He is the first prize winner of the 2020 Buchmann-Mehta School of Music (BMSM) Wind Competition and the Bruno Frey Prize in Germany, among others. He has participated in the Jerusalem Music Center’s Excellence programs. He has performed as a soloist with the BMSM Orchestra under Lahav Shani and the Basel Symphony Orchestra. As a member of Ensemble Finale, he has toured widely, performing clarinet quintets at prestigious venues. Born in 1997, Lior began his studies with Michael Gurfinkel, later completing a B.M. under Yevgeny Yehudin and an M.M. with François Benda. He is a Ronen Foundation awardee, an Alumnus of the Jerusalem Music Center, and served in the IDF Orchestra.
Elad Navon
Clarinetist, AICF Grant Recipient in 2013-2020, 2023-2024
Elad Navon, born in 2000, an Israeli clarinetist, is the winner of the second prize in the VAE competition in 2024, the first prize in the Kfar-Saba Winds competition in 2022, and the first prize in the BMSM wind competition in 2020. Elad has been supported by the AICF since 2017.
Elad performed as part of the Israel Philharmonic, Haifa Symphony Orchestra, American Youth Symphony, and more, and played under the baton of Sir Andras Schiff, Zubin Mehta, and Lahav Shani, among many other renowned conductors. Participate in master classes with Sharon Kam, Murray Perahia, Martin Frost, and more. He is currently pursuing his Artist Diploma at the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles, in the renowned class of Prof. Yehuda Gilad. After studying with Ilya Schwartz in Jerusalem, Elad finished his B.M. at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music in the class of Tibi Cziger, and his M.M. at USC (Los Angeles) in the class of Prof. Gilad.
Guy Ben-Ziony
Ori Kam
Shmuel Magen
Betty Olivero
Carmit Zori
Jonathan Aner
Benjamin Hochman
Jonathan Keren
Betty Olivero
Miri Yampolsky
Avner Biron
Shirley Brill
Nitzan Haroz
Juri Vallentin
Menachem Wiesenberg
Guy Ben-Ziony
Jonathan Keren
Betty Olivero
Alexander Pavlovsky
Carmit Zori
Guy Ben-Ziony
Benjamin Hochman
Jonathan Keren
Juri Vallentin
Carmit Zori
Avigail Arnheim – Chair
Iris Reff Ronen – Global CEO, AICF
Jessica Hadler – Competition Manager, AICF
Tibi Cziger – Artistic Advisor
Tali Hermetz – Head of Music Department, Tel Aviv Museum of Art
Sharon Schwartz – Deputy to Head of Music Department, Tel Aviv Museum of Art
Production: AICF Israel team
Eden Arad, Evelina Zayats, Ophir Lotan
Social Media: AICF
Public Relations: “Dolphin”
Graphic Design: “The League”
