Yoel Levi

Biography

Yoel Levi, born in 1950 in Romania, is an internationally acclaimed conductor known for his deep musical insight, expressive leadership, and a prolific recording career that spans continents and decades. Raised in Israel after immigrating with his family at a young age, Levi began his musical education at the Tel Aviv Academy of Music, where he graduated with a Master of Arts degree with distinction. He went on to study conducting at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and pursued advanced training in Europe. His education culminated with studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

Levi’s first major breakthrough came in 1978 when he won the prestigious first prize at the International Besançon Conductors Competition in France. Soon after his victory, he was invited to join the Cleveland Orchestra as an assistant conductor under the renowned Lorin Maazel. From 1980 to 1984, Levi served as the orchestra’s resident conductor.

In 1988, Levi was appointed Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), a position he held for twelve years. Under his baton, the orchestra gained national and international attention for both its musical quality and its prolific recording activity. During his tenure, Levi recorded more than thirty albums for Telarc, including landmark recordings of works by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Miklós Rózsa, Dmitri Shostakovich, Modest Mussorgsky, and Jean Sibelius. These recordings garnered significant acclaim, including multiple Grammy Award nominations. His tenure concluded in 2000, but he remained Music Director Emeritus until 2005, continuing to appear as a guest conductor and recording artist.

From 2001 to 2007, he served as Principal Conductor of the Brussels Philharmonic, guiding the orchestra through numerous high-profile concerts and festivals. He then became Principal Conductor of the Orchestre national d’Île-de-France from 2005 to 2012. During this period, he led the orchestra on extensive tours and helped it build a stronger identity within France’s vibrant orchestral scene.

Levi also made history as the first Israeli to be appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 2001, where he conducted major international tours. He was invited to lead milestone events such as the IPO’s gala concert celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary. His association with the Israel Philharmonic also led him to collaborate frequently with international opera houses. He conducted productions of Puccini’s La fanciulla del west, Verdi’s La Traviata, Bizet’s Carmen, and Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, among others.

In 2014, Levi assumed the role of Music Director and Chief Conductor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra in Seoul, South Korea. In recognition of his contributions, Levi and the KBS Symphony were awarded the Grand Prize at the 2017 Seoul Arts Center Awards, one of South Korea’s most prestigious cultural honors.

Levi’s career has been punctuated by numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and the French government naming him a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

In recent years, Levi has returned to Israel, where he now serves as the Artistic Director and Music Director of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra. Since taking up the role in 2021, he has led a revitalization of the orchestra, implementing new artistic initiatives, expanding its repertoire, and drawing wider audiences to its performances.

Photo Credit: Abosch Kevin