Vitality, incredible energy, and immense charisma. These are just a few of the traits that characterize the exceptional artist that is Avi Avital.

Gramophone magazine wrote of him: "Here is a musician who recognizes no boundaries except those of good taste, and who has the artistry to persuade listeners to follow him anywhere."

It is no wonder, as the artist has quite an achievement to his credit. He revolutionized the perception of the mandolin in classical music, bringing it to the biggest and most important concert stages in the world. In doing so, he demonstrated his effectiveness in breaking down barriers in the classical music world—a trait that serves as the common denominator among the artists performing at this year's Break in Classic festival.

In 2010, he became the first mandolinist in history to receive a classical Grammy Award nomination in the "Best Instrumental Soloist" category for his recording of Avner Dorman's Mandolin Concerto.

Avi Avital is renowned for his masterful interpretations of works by Vivaldi and Bach, but also for his incredibly impressive navigation across other genres and his ability to bring together musicians from diverse cultures for unique collaborative projects. While traveling the world, Avital discovered that the mandolin appears in the folk music of every place he visits. He therefore began blending folk music with classical music, drawing upon Bulgarian, Welsh, and klezmer traditions, among others.

At the Break in Classic festival, he will perform together with AUKSO – Chamber Orchestra of the City of Tychy.