Encounters: France–Israel

In November 2025, following calls in France by the media outlet Mediapart and the labor union CGT to prevent the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductor from performing in Paris, a public appeal opposing the boycott was initiated by Marc Maidenberg and David Verdier. The appeal gathered more than 22,000 signatures within 48 hours. The concert ultimately took place and, despite three violent interruptions involving smoke bombs, Sir András Schiff, the orchestra, and its conductor Lahav Shani performed with exceptional talent and dignity.

It was in the spirit of defending artistic freedom and fostering cultural dialogue that Marc Maidenberg initiated Encounters: France–Israel.

One year later, the project brings together seven remarkable and open-minded young French musicians and their Israeli counterparts, performing works by Israeli and French composers. At a time when international attention remains focused on the Middle East, these young artists meet, collaborate, and share a unique artistic and human experience while discovering Israel – a country often at the center of public debate and controversy across Europe.

The participants work closely with distinguished mentors – Pierre Génisson, Régis Pasquier, Michal Korman, and Yoni Gertner – whose artistic guidance is an integral part of the project. The initiative also benefits from the generous support and warm welcome of artistic directors Raz Benyamini, Uri Dror, and Gilad Hochman, whose commitment makes the encounter possible.

Together, the young musicians prepare and perform three concerts in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Kfar Blum, in a framework made possible through the support of dedicated partners and donors.

At its core, Encounters: France–Israel affirms the role of music as a space for dialogue and shared artistic excellence, for audiences to experience.