In December 2009, the Jerusalem Music Center facilitated a week-long intensive music camp, run for Israel’s most talented young musicians. The camp consisted of a jam-packed schedule filled with expert tuition, individual and ensemble work and orchestral rehearsals for the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (YIPO). Since it has been adopted by the JMC in 2005, the Orchestra’s reputation has grown together with its standard each year, as evidenced by increased audience numbers.

YIPO showcased their talent on Friday December 18th at the Henry Crown Auditorium in the Jerusalem Theater. The theater was packed with eager listeners, waiting to hear what YIPO had to offer and they did not disappoint. Students played pieces excellently, bringing audience members to the edge of their seats through the musical expertise shown and the beauty of the pieces played. The Orchestra played in different parts, first as a string orchestra, then a wind and coming together for the final piece conducted by renowned American conductor Arthur Post, to produce a magical version of Respighi’s Pini di Roma.

All-in-all a lovely way to end 2009.