ARTS AND CULTURE

Helen Mirren

Actor

Legendary British actor Helen Mirren rushed to the aid of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic shut down theaters and concert halls around the world. Featuring much loved Israeli musicians including Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman, and Itzhak Perlman, Mirren’s gala raised funds “to ensure that we can keep the music playing, showcasing musical excellence and bringing a message of peace and harmony,” as the IPO said in a message of thanks to the star. Mirren – whose screen depictions include Empress Catherine the Great and Queen Elizabeth II – is a frequent visitor to Israel and an outspoken opponent of efforts to subject the Jewish state to a cultural boycott. (Photo: Wikimedia / Creative Commons License)