About the Ensemble
The Israel Flute Choir was founded in 2014 by Mr. Eyal Ein-Habar, the Principal Flutist of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2016, the role of conductor and musical director was passed to Ms. Hagar Shahal, followed by Ms. Michal Oren (2020–2022), Mr. Roy Hoshen (2022–2024), and Ms. Hagit Glaser (2024–2026). Today, the choir is conducted and musically directed by Ms. Iris Ringer.
The ensemble consists of flutists playing the entire range of the flute family: piccolo, C flute, alto flute, bass flute, and contrabass flute. The choir’s repertoire spans from the Renaissance to contemporary music, including classical arrangements and original works composed specifically for the ensemble. Our repertoire features iconic Israeli songs uniquely arranged for us, such as "The Flute" (HeChalil), "Night" (Layla), and "What Do the Does Do" (Ma Osot HaAyalot)—arranged by Udi Perlman and performed at international conferences, as well as "Waltz for the Protection of Nature", arranged by Tsachi Samira.
Performances in Israel
The choir performs at various cultural events and concerts throughout Israel. In its performances, the Israel Flute Choir has accompanied several leading flutists and principal players of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, including Eyal Ein-Habar, Yossi Arnheim, and piccolo player Lior Eitan.
During "Flute Day" at the Mishkenot Sha’ananim Music Center in Jerusalem, the choir performed alongside Sir James Galway. We have appeared several times at the "Autumn Sounds" festival in Modi'in and at various vocal choir conferences. In the fall performance in 2025, the choir accompanied the talented young cellist Gabriel Cohen. During the "Swords of Iron" war, the choir performed twice for audiences of evacuees from Northern Israel and the Gaza envelope.
International Performances
* 2019: The Israel Flute Choir performed at an international flute choir conference in Poland. The ensemble premiered a special arrangement of the song "The Flute" (lyrics by Leah Goldberg, music by David Zehavi), written specifically for the choir by composer Udi Perlman.
* 2023: The choir participated in the international conference in Portugal, presenting a program dedicated entirely to Israeli music. This included a piece written for us by the composer Aharon Harlap, the winning piece of our first composition competition by Tom Silberstein, and two new arrangements by Udi Perlman.
* 2026: The choir will represent Israel at the flute choir conference in Germany.
Special Initiatives
* "Armorers Remember": For several years, we have participated in this project on Israel’s Memorial Day. We performed with the singers Merav Siman Tov (a song written by the late Major Yosef Sarig) and Danny Robas (a song written by the late Captain Yahel Gazit).
* COVID-19 Resilience: The choir continued to meet and rehearse during the pandemic. In Hanukkah 2020, we held a digital concert without a live audience, which was broadcast online.
* Composition Competition: In 2021, the choir launched a dedicated composition competition. The winning works were performed on stage and recorded in a professional studio.
* Professional Development: As an ensemble of amateur musicians, we emphasize continuous learning. Throughout the year, we participate in workshops led by renowned flutists (such as Sharon Bezaly, Moshe Epstein, Anat Nazrati, and Daphna Peled).
* Community & Youth: The choir has held several "educational concerts" for young students and families. We have also performed as part of the Israel Philharmonic’s "Key Program" (Key Project).
The Conductor
Iris Ringer-SorokinIris began her musical journey at the Arad Conservatory. She holds a Bachelor’s degree (B.Mus) with honors and a Master’s degree (M.Mus) from the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University, where she received a special award for excellence in performance.
Throughout her academic career, she was a recurring recipient of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation (Keren Sharet) scholarships.An active flutist for many years,
Iris performed with the National Gadna Orchestra (MATAN), the Young Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and the IDF Orchestra. She has participated in prestigious chamber music festivals in the United States and Germany, and has performed in masterclasses with some of the world’s leading flutists.
Iris served as Principal Flutist and Soloist for the Israel Sinfonietta Beer Sheva and the Kibbutz Chamber Orchestra.
Today, she is an esteemed flute pedagogue and the Pedagogical Director at the Ramat Gan Conservatory.
In addition to her educational work, she performs regularly in chamber ensembles with pianist Dr. Yelena Samborsky-Atkin and serves as the Conductor and Musical Director of the Israeli Flute Choir.
The Players
The flutists come from all over the country, and are predominantly music teachers and serious amateurs who rehearse and perform on voluntary basis. The members have bonded together and are ardently devoted to the choir and the music it produces.
The Israel Flute Choir members also participate in many related activities, attending lessons and workshops to improve playing and increase their general knowledge, working on new arrangements for flute choir music, and participating in planning concert performances.
The Israel Flute Choir is happy to welcome new members to the family.
For details, contact us: flutechoirisrael@gmail.com
