Viola power: Tabea Zimmermann performs with Israel Philharmonic viola section

Watch as viola soloist Tabea Zimmermann, the Israel Philharmonic viola section and principal string players perform and arrangement of Atur Mizchech (‘Your head is decorated’) as an encore during a recent concert in Tel Aviv.

Israel Philharmonic violist Yoni Gertner arranged the song for this instrumentation. The original song takes its lyrics from a poem written in the 1950s by Avraham Chalfi. In 1977, composer Yoni Rechter set the words to music for singer Arik Einstein, creating one of Israel’s most beloved ballads.

Zimmermann appeared in concert with the Israel Philharmonic earlier this week, performing Mark Kopytman’s Cantus V and Don Quixote for viola, cello and orchestra by Richard Strauss, along with cellist Kian Soltani. Keen viewers of the video will notice Lahav Shani, the orchestra’s music director, performing on double bass!

Tabea Zimmermann will provide a Masterclass feature in the September 2022 edition of The Strad