Lahav Shani

Lahav Shani is chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. He took over from Yannick Nézet-Séguin in September 2018, becoming the youngest chief conductor in the orchestra’s 100-year history. As from the 2020–2021 season he succeeded Zubin Mehta as music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

In the 2017–2018 season Lahav Shani became principal guest conductor of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, following a number of guest appearances with the orchestra since his debut in 2015, including a major European tour in January 2016. Shani also works regularly with the Staatskapelle Berlin, both at the Berlin State Opera and in symphony concerts.

Lahav Shani made his debut as conductor and pianist with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in June 2016; the announcement of his appointment as chief conductor with effect from 2018 was made two months later.