Back in Tel Aviv for their 30th year running, the Summer Opera Program has officially arrived!
If you’re excited by the world of opera, Broadway and the performing arts, this is your month. Every July the Summer Opera Program brings together local and international singers on the brink of their careers, gives them world-class training by teachers from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and – best of all – invites us to listen in.
Some of these young stars may soon be heard on the stage of the Israel Opera, joining many of the program’s graduates: Shiri Hershkovitz, Oded Reich, Hila Baggio, Hila Fahima and others. The program is operated by the Israel Vocal Arts Institute, which provides singers with stipends and grants to pursue their art.
The Program offers several kinds of events. First are the master classes. Audiences can watch and listen as the coaches of the program work with singers on an aria, honing it to perfection. They work on acting, posture, movement, language, and interpretation. Each coach brings his or her own knowledge and background to the class: John Norris works on acting and stage presence, Claude Webster uses techniques taken from neuro-linguistic programming, and Ann Rodiger teaches Alexander technique.
Then, you can witness the result of their work in a series of concerts and operas. This year, there will be not one, not two, but three semi-staged operas: Verdi’s La Traviata (July 23, 25), Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (July 27, 29), and Britten’s horror opera based on Henry James, The Turn of the Screw (July 20, 21, 23). The concerts will feature scenes and arias from operas by Mozart (July 20), music from the Baroque through Bel Canto to the French Romantic period (July 14), and… BROADWAY (July 26)!
The Summer Opera Program has hosted several world-famous singers in the past: Mignon Dunn, Sherrill Milnes, Louis Quilico and many more. This year, soprano Ljuba Kazarnovskaya returns to give a master class (July 17) and organize a concert featuring Russian scenes and arias (July 24). A special treat is a master class with Israeli soprano Chen Reiss (July 15), star of the Vienna State Opera and the only Israeli singer (to date!) to sing for the Pope at the Vatican’s Christmas Mass. Tenor Steven Goldstein will also give a master class (July 11).
For the younger set of opera fans, ages 4-8, there are surprises as well. Continuing last year’s new tradition, the program will include shows not for, but WITH children. The participants are invited to join the singers in an interactive operatic experience.
The two major events of the program are a gala concert on July 28, with the Netanya Kibbutz Orchestra, and of course – THE COMPETITION, where your vote counts in choosing the audience favorite (July 18).
To enjoy all of these events, order tickets on eventim, or call *9066 and visit the IVAI site for complete program details.
