Roberto Paternostro joins Israel Chamber Orchestra

Conductor Roberto Paternostro will take responsibility for the music, the musical makeup of the orchestra, foreign tours and fund-raising.

By HELEN KAYE
Conductor Roberto Paternostro has been appointed musical adviser to the Israel Chamber Orchestra, effective immediately. He will take responsibility for the music, the musical makeup of the orchestra, foreign tours and fund-raising in collaboration with the orchestra's music committee, headed by Prof. Jonathan Zack. Additionally, noted violinist and baroque instrumentalist Elizabeth Wallfisch has been appointed to head the orchestra's baroque programming. Paternostro, well-received by both critics and audience, has conducted both subscription and special concerts at the Israel Chamber Orchestra over several seasons. He is currently music director of both the Kassel Opera and the Mahler Festival at Tollbach, Germany. Wallfisch is also a conductor, and in 2009 will lead baroque orchestras in Europe and the US. The Israel Chamber Orchestra has been without a music director since Gil Shohat resigned in September.