The Meitar Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about contemporary music. The ensemble is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, and is known for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music. The founding members of the Meitar Ensemble were pianist Amit Dolberg, violinist Yael Barolsky, cellist Amit Even-Tov, and clarinetist Amitai Vardi. The ensemble was named after the Meitarim High School in Ra'anana, Israel, where the founding members had all studied music together. From the beginning, the Meitar Ensemble was committed to performing contemporary classical music by Israeli and international composers. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Pierre Boulez, György Ligeti, Steve Reich, and John Zorn, as well as Israeli composers such as Avner Dorman, Chaya Czernowin, and Uri Kochavi. One of the highlights of the Meitar Ensemble's early years was its participation in the 2005 Israel Festival, where the ensemble performed a program of contemporary music by Israeli composers. The ensemble also performed at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Jerusalem Music Center, and collaborated with the Israeli Opera and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2007, the Meitar Ensemble was invited to perform at the Gaudeamus Music Week in Amsterdam, one of the most prestigious contemporary music festivals in Europe. The ensemble's performance was well-received, and it was invited back to the festival in 2008 and 2009. In 2010, the Meitar Ensemble won the Aviv Competition for Young Artists, one of the most prestigious music competitions in Israel. The ensemble's performance of contemporary music by Israeli composers impressed the judges, and the ensemble was awarded first prize. Since then, the Meitar Ensemble has continued to perform at major music festivals and venues around the world. In 2012, the ensemble performed at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the UK, and in 2013, it performed at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. In 2014, the Meitar Ensemble released its debut album, "The High Road," which features works by Israeli composers Avner Dorman, Uri Kochavi, and Gilad Hochman. The album was well-received by critics, and was nominated for the Israeli Classical Music Award. In 2016, the Meitar Ensemble performed at the Venice Biennale, one of the most prestigious contemporary art festivals in the world. The ensemble's performance, which included works by Israeli composer Chaya Czernowin, was praised for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music. Today, the Meitar Ensemble is one of the leading contemporary classical music ensembles in Israel, and is known for its commitment to performing new and innovative works by Israeli and international composers. The ensemble's members include pianist Amit Dolberg, violinist Yael Barolsky, cellist Amit Even-Tov, clarinetist Amitai Vardi, flutist Guy Eshed, percussionist Tomer Yariv, and conductor Ilan Volkov. The Meitar Ensemble continues to perform at major music festivals and venues around the world, and is dedicated to promoting contemporary classical music and supporting the work of Israeli composers.

More....