LONDON, UK (CelebrityAccess) – Israeli conductor Bar Avni has joined the IMG Artists for General Management roster, marking a significant step in her career. Represented by Artist Manager Isabelle Cottet, with Kathryn Enticott, Director of Enticott Music Management, consulting, Avni’s move signals a new chapter in her journey.
Avni’s recent triumph at the 2024 La Maestra Competition saw her clinch the top prize, along with accolades like the Orchestra Prize, Arte Prize, Echo Award, and the French Concert Halls and Orchestras Prize. Notably, in 2021, she made history as the first female conductor to lead the Bayer Philharmoniker, a role she holds in the orchestra’s 120-year history.
Since her debut in 2016, Avni has collaborated with esteemed ensembles like the Israel Philharmonic, Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Resonanz, Sinfonia Varsovia, and Hamburg Camerata. This year, she made notable debuts with the WDR Funkhaus Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony, assisting renowned Canadian conductor Barbara Hannigan.
Looking ahead, Avni has been invited to conduct a diverse array of orchestras, including the Orchestre National de Lille, Orchestre National de Bordeaux, Hamburg State Youth Orchestra, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kammerorchester Basel. She will assist Klaus Mäkelä with Orchestre de Paris.
Avni’s journey into conducting began after training as a classical percussionist, eventually studying with Yoav Talmi in Tel Aviv. She later served as assistant conductor of the Israel Chamber Orchestra and benefited from mentorship by Martin Sieghart and Ulrich Windfuhr. Additionally, she was an assistant to General Music Director Peter Kuhn at the Bergischer Symphoniker during the 2017/18 season. In 2021, she was awarded the youngest prize-winner and Scholarship holder of the International Kurt Masur Institute.
“As I continue my journey in the extraordinary world of music making, I recognize the importance of finding the right partners to illuminate the path ahead,” Avni said in the press release. “I wish to thank my former manager, Martin Müller, for our time together. I am thrilled and fortunate to announce my new partnership with Isabelle Cottet as my manager, with consultation from Kathryn Enticott. It is truly exhilarating to connect with such dedicated professionals who share my vision for music in this vibrant and exciting industry.”
“I was struck by Bar Avni’s musical and leadership skills from the first moment I saw her conduct; I am both privileged and thrilled to be working with her,” Cottet added. “I could not be happier to embark on this new journey with Bar alongside the team at IMG Artists and Kathryn Enticott.”
The announcement of Avni’s partnership with IMG Artists signifies a promising chapter in her career. She continues to captivate audiences with her exceptional artistry and dedication to musical excellence.
