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The Israel Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra (= IKO, Israel NK Orchestra; formerly: Israel Kibbutz Orchestra or Israel Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra) is an orchestra established in 1970. Its offices are situated in Netanya, Israel. The Orchestra performs 120 concerts every season, presenting imaginative, up-to-date and refreshing artistic programs. Its original and experiential approach - classical pieces alongside folklore and jazz, and combinations of different styles-artistic, vocal and visual – are what build up its uniqueness.
The Orchestra has received rating 5 by the Ministry of Culture in israel side by side with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, which is the highest grade of Excellency, and throughout its 50 year of history it has toured, USA, China, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, South Korea, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Croatia, Great Britain, Switzerland, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. The orchestra's tour in South Africa was successful to the point that the orchestra was invited to tour again in the 2016 season. The directors of the orchestra have been conductors Avi Ostrowsky, Noam Sheriff, Uzi Wiesel, Shalom Ronli-Riklis, Lior Shambadal, Doron Salomon, Yaron Gutfrid, and Shalev Ad-El. Starting 2016-2017 season, Swedish conductor and trombone player Christian Lindberg serves as the Music Director of the orchestra. IKO is unique in the world by having eight venues where every concert in it´s subscription serie is produced and presented. The orchestra regularly performs in Beit Gabriel, Mizra, Ein HaHoresh, Givat Brener, Dorot, Nahariyya, Netanya, and Tel Aviv. Mandoline player and conductor Shmuel Elbaz serves as the orchestra's residence conductor.
In addition to its broad activity for adults, the IKO has an extensive educational program, placing it as a leading orchestra that works within the formal educational system of Israel. As part of the project Experience in Sounds the orchestra performs 240 chamber and orchestral concerts yearly to 30,000 kindergarten and first to seventh grade classes all over the country.
The IKO made several CD's of music by Israeli composers. In 2019 the Orchestra made its international SACD debut on ”International Label of the Year 2017”, BIS Records, with two SACD's, one with works by Schubert (including “The Unfinished Symphony”) and a SACD with Israeli flute concertos with the Israeli flautist Sharon Bezaly, ”God´s gift to the Flute” according to the London Times.
The orchestra is expected to close in August 2021 and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra is expected to receive some of its members. |
