The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra returns to The Soraya after its intense performance in 2016 led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, shortly before his appointment as Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera. Now, with its next "wunderkind" at the helm, Israeli maestro Lahav Shani, the Rotterdam Philharmonic will join the global celebration of Beethoven, featuring Nelson Freire on The Soraya's Steinway performing the "Emperor" Piano Concerto. Rotterdam Philharmonic will also join The Soraya's season-long Violins of Hope project. Concertmaster Igor Gruppman will join this concert on one of the Violins of Hope rescued from the Holocaust and restored by master violinmaker Amnon Weinstein in Tel Aviv. Lahav Shani assumed his position in September 2018, becoming the youngest Chief Conductor in the orchestra's history. In the 2020-21 season, Shani will succeed Zubin Mehta as Music Director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.