Large N and Bethe ansatz

We describe an integrable model, related to the Gaudin magnet, and its relation to the matrix model of Brezin, Itzykson, Parisi and Zuber. Relation is based on Bethe ansatz for the integrable model and its interpretation using orthogonal polynomials and saddle point approximation. Lagre $N$ limit of the matrix model corresponds to the thermodynamic limit of the integrable system. In this limit (functional) Bethe ansatz is the same as the generating function for correlators of the matrix models.