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Rovinsky steps down from Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

Harpist Julia Rovinsky
Julia Rovinsky steps down after three decades as principal harpist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. (Photo by Maria Rosenblatt)

February 29, 2024

After three decades as principal harpist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Julia Rovinsky is stepping down from her position. Rovinsky shared the news in a social media message, thanking the orchestra’s Music Director Emeritus, Zubin Mehta, for his mentorship and support. “As I take this moment to reflect, I realize it’s time for a new chapter, one that sees me stepping away from my current role within the orchestra,” Rovinsky says. “To all my fellow harpists, I encourage you to prepare for the upcoming audition; the opportunity to become the next Principal Harpist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra awaits.”

Rovinsky is the Music Director of the International Harp Contest in Israel, a position she has held since 2016. Rovinsky also teaches as the Professor of Harp at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, Tel-Aviv University.

Born in St. Petersburg, Rovinsky graduated from the Rimsky-Korsakov Academy of Music. ​In 1988, she was a prize winner of the National Harp Competition in Moscow. She immigrated to Israel in 1991, where she won the Prime Minister Prize for best performance of Israeli music in 2002.

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