The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) is proud to announce its annual benefit gala at the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 PM, followed by a dinner and performance by renowned violinist and friend of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra Gil Shaham. The gala will be chaired by Luce and Winston Churchill, Sara and Charles Fabrikant, and Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein. Honorary Chairmen include Diane Belfer, and Lady Evelyn and Lord Anthony Jacobs.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's history, like that of the country from which it springs, is a story of self-reliance, ingenuity and hard work. Since its founding in 1936, the IPO has used its world class musicianship as a vehicle for spreading a message of peace and cooperation. As Israel's finest cultural emissary, the IPO travels throughout the world, particularly to countries where there is little or no Israeli representation. The goodwill created by these tours--which have included historic visits to Japan, Argentina, Poland, Hungary, Russia, China and India--is of enormous value to the State of Israel. As a result, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra maintains its position at the forefront of cultural diplomacy and the international music scene.

In addition to fostering international relations, the Israel Philharmonic annually presents over 100 performances to audiences in its homeland through its subscription series, a special annotated Youth Concert Series, concerts as part of the "Arts for the People" project throughout Israel, and special concerts for IDF soldiers at their outposts. The IPO also provides educational programs that reach over 20,000 students each year. Following its critically acclaimed United States tour with the dynamic conductor Gustavo Dudamel in November 2008, the IPO established a program to develop brass orchestras for children in Israel's poor socio-economic areas. The brass orchestras are modeled after Venezuela's El Sistema: a musical education program that produced Mr. Dudamel. By establishing Youth Brass Orchestras in underprivileged areas, the Israel Philharmonic strives to bring about social change by initiating a process that will teach children and equip them with the most important tools and values needed to thrive in society: responsibility, teamwork, respect, co-operation, tolerance and work ethic, alongside building the children's confidence and enhancing their self esteem.

While a majority of the Orchestra's funding is derived from self-earned income, such as ticket sales, private funding is still critically important to the Orchestra's financial stability. The mission of AFIPO is to secure the financial future of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra so that it may continue to travel throughout the world, spreading its message of peace and cultural understanding through music. AFIPO supports the Orchestra's international touring program, educational projects, a wide array of musical activities in Israel and an endowment fund to further ensure the IPO's future.

AFIPO Presents A Benefit Evening with Gil Shaham
The Flagler Museum
February 12, 2009 6:30 PM

HONORARY CHAIRMEN:
Diane Belfer
Lady Evelyn and Lord Anthony Jacobs

BENEFIT CHAIRMEN:
Luce and Winston Churchill
Sara and Charles Fabrikant
Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein

Ticket Pricing

Individual Tickets
$1,000 -Musician Ticket
$2,500 -Virtuoso Ticket
$5,000 -Impressario Ticket

Tables for Ten
$25,000-Concertmaster
$50,000-Conductor
$100,000-Underwriter

Dress for the evening is cocktail attire.

For tickets please contact the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at 800-422-3476.

The Flagler Museum is located at 1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL.