Omer Shabtay, a mandolin student in the class of Mr. Jacob Reuven, won the competition, held by the David Gritz String Department which took place on May 11, 2026.
The jury included violinist Natasha Sher and violist Shuli Waterman of the Israel Camerata, and cellist Talia Erdal, a faculty member of the Academy.
Omer will perform as soloist with the Mendi Rodan Symphony Orchestra of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance during the 2026–27 concert season.
Photo: Daniel Cavari
