Classical music in Israel is much more popular than many other Western countries with a surprisingly young audience often attending concerts. With classical music in Israel being so popular – leading musicians often visit, along with the many leading Israeli classical musicians who perform regularly across the country. Israel is known for the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, which often performs in the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv, attracting a diverse audience. There is a fond appreciation for classical music in Israel meaning there are many events, shows and performances throughout the country. Here are some past and upcoming classical music events in Israel.

Classical Music in Israel
Classical Music in Israel

Abu Gosh Music Festival: October 3-5, 2023
The Abu Gosh Music Festival takes place twice annually in the village of Abu Gosh tucked amidst the Jerusalem Hills a few kilometers west of Jerusalem. The Abu Gosh Music Festival is one of Israel’s largest vocal music festivals taking place at the festivals of Sukkot (in Fall-time) and Shavuot (in Spring-time). This year, the... Read More
Tel Aviv Piano Festival, Tel Aviv Museum of Art. November 13-17, 2019
The 21st annual Tel Aviv Piano Festival returns from November 13-17, 2019 at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Over 300 Israeli musicians, ensembles, poets, creators and actors will take part in 57 different performances. From original pieces and tribute performances, to unique collaborations, this event is a true celebration of all types of music,... Read More
Kol Hamusica Festival in the Upper Galilee Region, Israel. July 9 – July 16, 2019
The Kol Hamusica Festival will take place in the Upper Galilee Region from July 9 until July 16, 2019. This exciting music festival has been held and celebrated for 35 years in the region. A week-long musical celebration, the festival brings together the best musicians from Israel and abroad, including Amichai Gross (viola), Guy Braunstein... Read More
Symphony of the Heart in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel. February 6-7, 2019
Symphony of the Heart performed by the World Doctors Orchestra will take place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel on February 6 and February 7, 2019. The World Doctors Orchestra is a well-known orchestra made up entirely by physicians. It is a non-profit organization that serves to promote both music and medical awareness around the... Read More
Eilat Chamber Music Festival: February 8-11, 2023
The annual Eilat Chamber Music Festival will take place from February 8-11 in 2023. It is one of Israel’s largest classical music events, taking place each winter in the southern Israeli city of Eilat. The festival attracts world-acclaimed musicians and ensembles who gather to give chamber and orchestral concerts and perform opera, dance, and gypsy... Read More
Red Sea Jazz Festival, Eilat. August 26-28, 2018
The Red Sea Jazz Festival will take place again in 2018, first happening in 1987 and running every year since in the last week of August. The Red Sea Jazz Festival, now at its 32nd edition, is a three day international festival with 8 to 9 concerts per evening, 6 clinics with guest artists and nightly Jam... Read More
Opera Festival in Jerusalem. June 22-25, 2016
A special opera festival will take place in Jerusalem in June 2016, with performances in the Sultan’s Pool, at the foot of the walls of the historic Old City. Following in the footsteps of the iconic Masada Opera Festival, which takes place earlier in June, the opera festival in Jerusalem will present the opera, ‘Il... Read More
Bach Festival in Jerusalem. March 17-21, 2016
For the first time in Jerusalem, the International Bach Festival brings to the city 4 days of concerts and lectures, in a multi-cultural event to celebrate the anniversary of German composer Johann Bach’s birth. The events will take place in different locations, such as the YMCA Auditorium and the Jerusalem Theatre, and include interesting performances... Read More
Red Sea Winter Jazz Festival. February 22-24, 2018
The Red Sea Winter Jazz Festival follows on the tradition of the summer-time, was created for the first time in 2011, with a winter weekend of jazz in February, held due to the immense popularity and status of the summer festival as one of Israel’s premier cultural events. In 2018, the festival will take place over the weekend... Read More
The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival. December 18-20, 2019
The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival will take place from December 18-20 at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. It is one of the most riveting and prominent jazz events in Israel and has earned a prestigious reputation over the past 28 years.A wonderful variety of performances by Israeli and international artists take place over the... Read More
Tel Aviv Blues Festival. November 22-25, 2017
The winter edition of the Tel Aviv Blues Festival will take place in November 2017, with a huge range of concerts, many of which are free, taking place across the city. Among the line-up are local acts as well as big names from the global Blues scene who will together perform in over 40 events... Read More