Lior Michel Virot
“Already from the second love scene, oboist Lior Michel Virot announced himself with a poignant and beautiful solo, making it clear that he would be one of the evening’s principal stars.”
-Tamara Balter, Haaretz ,review of Richard Strauss, Ravel and Schubert, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Lahav Shani, published on 17 June 2026.
About
Lior Michel Virot is Principal Oboe of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal English Horn of l'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.
Born in Switzerland and raised between Swiss and Israeli cultures, he brings a unique artistic perspective shaped by the European classical tradition and Middle Eastern musical heritage.A graduate of the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf and the Buchmann–Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University, Virot has performed on some of the world’s leading stages, including Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie, and Teatro Colón, collaborating with renowned conductors and soloists such as Zubin Mehta, Kirill Petrenko, Lahav Shani, Anne-Sophie Mutter, and Martha Argerich.
Performances
Lior Michel Virot has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, both as an orchestral musician and as a soloist. Alongside his roles with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, he has appeared as guest principal and guest musician with leading ensembles including Teatro alla Scala Orchestra in Milan, Neue Westfalen Philharmonie, and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.His performances have taken him to renowned concert halls across the globe, including Philharmonie de Paris, KKL Luzern, the Severance Hall in Clevlande, Sala São Paulo and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in BeijingAs a soloist, Virot made his debut with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in October 2025, performing Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C major, K.314 under the baton of Lahav Shani. He has also performed Richard Strauss’s Oboe Concerto with the Neue Westfalen Philharmonie, alongside appearances with the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and the Ra’anana Symphonette Orchestra.
Masterclasses & Teaching
Education is a central part of Virot’s artistic life. Alongside his orchestral career, he has presented masterclasses internationally, including in Dubai as part of the European Foundation for Support of Culture.He currently teaches at the Kiryat Ono Conservatory and the Ra’anana Music Center, working with students ranging from beginners to advanced young musicians preparing for conservatory entrance examinations and professional orchestral auditions.Through his teaching, Virot is dedicated to developing not only technical excellence, but also artistic curiosity, stylistic awareness, and a lifelong passion for music. He strives to inspire the next generation of oboists by sharing his experience as an international orchestral musician and performer.
Upcoming Concerts
Reedmaking
The Art of Oboe Reed Making : For Lior, oboe reed making is much more than a technical part of being an oboist. It is a craft that has grown into a genuine passion - one that combines precision, patience, curiosity, and, in many ways, meditation.There is a particular quietness to the process: carefully selecting the cane, shaping it, listening to how it responds, and making small adjustments until the reed begins to come alive. After many years of experience, this focused and attentive process has become an important part of Lior’s musical life.Yet reed making is never something that feels completely finished. Every piece of cane is different, and there is always something new to discover - a new response, a new colour, a new possibility in the sound.This constant curiosity is at the heart of Lior’s approach. With a deep respect for the craft and a desire to keep exploring, each reed becomes an opportunity to understand more about the instrument, the music, and the musician behind it.