INTERVIEW WITH AFIPO BOARD MEMBER NOEMI BRIEF ZAFRANY
Noemi Brief Zafrany has been a member of the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic’s Board of Directors since 2022, and currently serves as Vice President. She was previously the President of the Spanish Friends of the IPO.
Tell us about your first experience with the Israel Philharmonic.
My first encounter with the IPO was love at first sight. An instant bond was created between me and the whole team that was natural and real. From the very beginning, I could see how our thoughts and love for Israel coincided, sharing a unique passion like no other. More than an average orchestra, the IPO offers its wonderful music at all times in Israel; music that brightens any mood, whether it be in difficult situations, or the highest joys of our people. This is what binds me to the IPO. Its authenticity is what motivates me to want to power the orchestra forever.
What is one of your favorite memories with the IPO?
There are many times that I have felt proud of all we have achieved:
- Founding the Spanish Friends of the Israel Philharmonic was a dream fulfilled, and serving as its President remains one of the greatest honors of my life.
- The award of excellence: “Young Promises,” presented to Yoav Levanon in Spain by Queen Sofia, with over 2,000 people present.
- A special presentation of Todah: Music of Hope at the Romero Britto Palace.
- Active participation in the Israel Philharmonic’s 2025 United States Tour.
- I feel privileged to have traveled internationally to experience the Israel Philharmonic, first under the legendary guidance of Zubin Mehta, and now under the visionary direction of Lahav Shani. Hearing the orchestra in London, Israel, Spain, the United States, and Monaco has been a profound reminder of its global impact and cultural significance.
What does the IPO mean to you?
For me, the Israel Philharmonic is much more than an orchestra. It is the living voice of the Jewish people and Israel. Every note echoes our prayers, our perseverance, our triumphs, and our eternal hope. With the IPO, I feel the strength of our history, the pride of our identity, and the promise of our future.
The IPO recently performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City—tell us about your experience attending these historic concerts.
The first and second nights at Carnegie Hall were concerts we will never forget. The first performance of the Israel Philharmonic since the liberation of the hostages in Israel, a milestone filled with emotion, gratitude, and collective strength. Thank you to everyone who stood with us, celebrated our resilience, and joined in honoring this moment through the universal language of music. Together, we continue to rise, remember, and renew.
I wish more people knew that AFIPO does much more than support an orchestra. We invest in education, young musicians, cultural diplomacy, and the future of Israel’s artistic voice. We are building the next generation of talent and bringing Israel’s music to the world.
AFIPO is able to provide funding to the Israel Philharmonic for because of supporters like Noemi Brief Zafrany and YOU—thank you!
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