The David Gritz Department of String Instruments offers an extensive study program in which students gain substantial performance experience in a broad range of musical styles.
Under the guidance of distinguished faculty members, students develop their instrumental and creative skills, and are trained towards a professional career.
The students in the department play in the various performing groups of the academy, such as The Mendi Rodan Symphony Orchestra as well as chamber music ensembles, including ensembles of The Honors Chamber Music Program and the Duo Program. They enjoy many performance opportunities in concerts held at the academy, in concert halls throughout Jerusalem and in community settings. Additionally, students perform in opera productions, concerts under the cross-disciplinary department and in chamber music collaborations with the academy’s faculty members.
Additional activities include masterclasses and lectures with Israeli and international artists. Among the renowned artists who have given masterclasses at the academy are Pinchas Zukerman, Shlomo Mintz, Steven Isserlis, Atar Arad and members of the Jerusalem Quartet.
Graduates of the department lead successful musical careers as soloists and chamber musicians. Many hold tutti and principal positions in orchestras and ensembles such as The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, The Israel Camerata Jerusalem, the Meitar Ensemble and the Israel Contemporary Players.
The department’s graduates also take an active role in the field of music education as teachers, administrators and coordinators in numerous music schools throughout Israel.
The string department offers training in violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, mandolin, harp, lute and viola da gamba.
The department is named in memory of David Gritz who was killed in a terror attack in 2002. David played the violin from a young age. His mother, Mrs. Nevenka Gritz, generously donated his violin to the academy as well as the prizes for the annual competition named after him.
