The Vision: From Then to Now
Since its foundation, the Israeli Opera has aimed to be a cultural beacon for the classical
field in Israel. While maintaining its unique identity, the organization is dedicated to the goal of
challenging the audience, expressing an uncompromising qualitative voice, and representing
an innovative approach. Furthermore, it strives to present Israeli operas and to nurture young
Israeli opera artists, soloists and conductors. The Israeli Opera meets the highest international
standards and devotes all its efforts to present productions parallel in their quality to similar
productions in the leading culture capitals of the world.
Interacting with the Environment
The Israeli Opera's activity is not confined to its Tel-Aviv residence. Every year, thousands of
children enjoy an operatic experience in the various educational programs of the Opera, as
well as a variety of age-appropriate performances at the Opera House. Needless to say, we do
not deprive the adults: Opera in the Community is a social and artistic triumph, a project that
brings together amateur artists and professional soloists unto one stage. Time and again, the
Israeli Opera proves that it is not trapped in an elitist ivory tower, on the contrary - it constantly
endeavors to connect with its surrounding community.
Breaking through the Boundaries
The desire to reach a wider audience is reflected in the creation of unique events, which break
through the customary genre boundaries, such as the Opera Festival inMasada, which provides
a once in a lifetime experience for over 50,000 people a year. The sheer scale of the initiative
easily situates it as a national project mastering the cultural, economic, social and touristic
strata. Additional actions, such as Opera in the Park, live nationwide broadcasts of operas and
performances in public spaces throughout different cities, further manifests our wish to make
the opera as accessible as possible.
Facing the Future:
What Awaits Us in the Coming Year?
We are proud to present our plans for the 30th season. First and foremost: new operas written in
Hebrew, based on the works of Shai Agnon and Hanoch Levin and composed by Haim Permont
and Yoni Rechter. Intriguing cooperations with Israeli rock musicians have already started to
arouse excitement, as do the grandiose operas "Nabucco", "Il Barbiere di Siviglia", "Tosca" and
"Carmina Burana" at the Opera Festival in Masada. A few surprises are also expected in the
dance, music and jazz series at the Opera House. Interesting combinations between dance and
opera as well as between rock and classical music will place the intercultural motif in the limelight.
30 years are already behind us, and we havemuch work ahead of us. May the following years
be filled with creation, excellence, success and fulfilled dreams. Cheers to the next decade!
