OK, so opera isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But when you’ve got the magnificent setting of the Dead Sea (one of my favorite places in Israel) and Masada as your backdrop, you could stick a retarded monkey banging dustbin lids there and it would still be awe-inspiring…
The opera being performed next week will be a unique production of Nabucco, Verdi’s “Jewish” opera – with Masada as a natural towering back scene with atmospheric lighting, sound and fire effects. It starts at 10pm. The opera will be conducted by Daniel Oren and performed by international opera singers, the Israeli Opera Chorus and the Opera Orchestra – The Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion. Leading roles are filed by Dimitra Theodossiou, Sergey Murzaev and Paata Burchuladze.
Originally two performances were scheduled, but tickets were quickly snapped up, so a third date was arranged for the 6th June. Some tickets are still available, but I believe you have to book a night at a hotel too. You might want to check that out on their official website.
Next year (2011) there’s even more opera goodness lined up, with Verdi’s Aida scheduled, again under the baton of Daniel Oren. Befriend them on Facebook to stay updated.
Here’s a promo clip that might just convince you…