Haifa's Dan Carmel and Dan Panorama hotels will host the Mu/Zi international chamber music festival from November 26 to 30, 2026, according to an announcement from Dan Hotels. This marks the first time the hotel chain has brought the event to the northern port city.

Violinist Guy Braunstein, former concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, and cellist Zvi Plesser serve as the festival's artistic directors. Concerts will take place at the Dan Carmel's King David Hall and the Dan Panorama's Alon Hall, featuring morning sessions, afternoon recitals, and late-night programs.

The lineup features violinist Michael Guttman, pianist Hyung-ki Joo, flutist Gili Schwarzman, clarinetist Rafael Schenkel, and oud player Taiseer Elias. Additional artists include Andrey Godik, principal oboist of the Munich Philharmonic, and bassoonist Mor Biron, who played with the Berlin Philharmonic from 2007 to 2021.

The program includes Dvořák's Piano Quintet No. 2, Beethoven's Razumovsky Quartet No. 1, and Schubert's Octet in F major, plus pieces by Ravel, Debussy, and Poulenc. Israeli works and performances by emerging musicians round out the schedule.

Joo, recognized for blending classical music with comedy in the duo Igudesman and Joo, will appear in multiple evening events. He also recorded Billy Joel's classical piano pieces on the album Fantasies and Delusions.

From Dvořák to Mati Caspi

Braunstein will perform in Dvořák's piano quintet on November 26 at 7:30 p.m. A 10 p.m. program that evening includes Joo playing Ravel's La Valse and his own Lullaby for Leo.

On November 27 at 10 p.m., Braunstein and Joo will present a program mixing Strauss, Mahler, and Charlie Chaplin, with elements of musical humor. A late-night concert on November 29 honors Israeli singer and composer Mati Caspi.

The November 28 program at 7:30 p.m. features a suite from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess arranged by Biron. Elias will perform on the oud, a fretless string instrument central to Arab music traditions, as part of the festival's blend of chamber music and diverse styles.

Remembering a young composer

A November 27 concert at 4 p.m., titled Uri's Seasons, will showcase works by Uri Bar-Or, the 21-year-old composer and Israeli soldier who died in combat in Gaza in May 2024. The program includes a discussion with his family.

Bar-Or studied composition with Michael Wolpe at Sde Boker in southern Israel. His music has been performed since his death, including the piece Winter featured in the Voice of Music Festival's December 2024 program.

The Haifa event offers a platform for young performers and chances to collaborate with established musicians. Musica Impact, the nonprofit behind the festival, noted that students will join workshops and masterclasses led by visiting artists and perform for communities in northern Israel.

Accommodation packages

Dan Hotels offers three- and four-night packages that include concert tickets and half-board meals, covering breakfast and one additional meal daily. The starting prices apply to two people who belong to the chain's e-Dan loyalty club.

At the Dan Carmel, rates begin at NIS 4,996 for three nights and NIS 6,300 for four nights. At the Dan Panorama Haifa, they start at NIS 4,245 for three nights and NIS 5,400 for four nights.

The festival concludes on November 30 at 11 a.m. with Schubert's Octet, D. 803.