Munich Philharmonic names Lahav Shani next chief conductor
With his appointment, the 34-year-old Israeli musician, The BMSM Alumnus, adds another top-notch orchestra to his portfolio.
Lahav Shani will take over as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic, a leading German and international orchestra, starting September 2026. The announcement was made Wednesday morning by the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, who underscored the freshness Shani would bring to the orchestra as one of the youngest chief conductors in the ensemble's history.
"Lahav Shani is a perfect fit for the Munich Philharmonic. The city orchestra, with its tradition and renown, has been rejuvenated and is awakening a new excitement for classical music," Reiter said.
Shani's appointment was decided by the Munich City Council on the recommendation of the orchestra. He was present in the southern German city to sign the contract.
"I met the orchestra just last year for the first time, and the relationship was immediately very strong and very promising for the future, and so it's a big promise, and I'm so much looking forward to the next years," he said in a video posted to his Instagram account and the Munich Philharmonic's Twitter account following the signing.
