For the opera buffs of you out there that can’t make it to the stunning shows at Masada this summer, head to Jerusalem for some amazing opera by the Israeli Opera in June!
Scheduled to take place over June 24-27 just outside the Old City walls, the Israeli Opera will be launching the first ever Jerusalem Opera Festival by performing the 19th century Italian composer Donizetti’s popular operatic comedy, L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love) at The Sultan’s Pool.
And not to be outdone by the TWO shows lined up in Masada, there will also be a variety of concerts that will take place during the festival weekend in several locales around the city of Jerusalem. These include the Museum of Italian Jewish Art, the Biblical Lands Museum, and the Israel Museum, among others.
Expect to be wowed by liturgical music, vocal music, chamber music and even special concerts for children. And don’t forget these shows will be under the starry skies of Jerusalem (perfect after a hard day’s sight-seeing!).
L’Elisir d’Amore is undoubtedly the star of the festival though, and is one of the most popular operas in the world. It is a somewhat naïve love story of two country kids who are destined to marry and live happily ever after.
The opera is being performed by an all-star lineup of international singers, including Romanian tenor Stephan Pop as Nemorino, Italian baritone Riccardo Navarro as Belcore and Italian buffo Bruno de Simone as Dulcamara, a role he has performed in leading international opera houses. Israeli soprano Alla Vasilevitsky performs Adina. Maestro Frederic Chaslin, a household name in many leading opera houses including the Vienna Staatsoper, and the music director of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, will conduct the Israeli Opera Chorus and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra IBA.
The Sultan’s Pool in Jerusalem is one of the most exquisite settings for an outdoor opera performance, and will host TWO performances of L’Elisir d’Amore (June 24, 25), with the additional festival concerts and performances taking place on June 26, 27.
Ticket prices for the Sultan’s Pool shows start at 155 shekels – call *6226 for details.
For more information, see the Israeli Opera website.