Opera Extravaganza at Masada (3-5 June 2010) To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Israeli Opera, the company will present an opera weekend (June3-5 2010) in the Dead Sea area, highlighted by a production of Nabucco, Giuseppe Verdi’s Jewish opera at the footsteps of Mt. Masada, one of the major symbols of the heroism and survival of the Jewish people. Nabucco is one of Verdi’s most popular operas which is considered as the Italian composer’s Jewish opera. The story of this opera follows the Babylonian King Nabucco who destroys the Temple in Jerusalem, exiles the children of Israel to Babylon and eventually seeks forgiveness from the God of the Jews and restores their freedom.

The plot moves from the Temple in Jerusalem in the first act to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and features one of Verdi’s most touching and powerful choruses – Va pensiero, a chorus that has become a symbol for bravery, heroism and hope for a better future. It will be performed by a 100 member symphony orchestra, 120 choristers, scores of extras and international opera soloists under the baton of electrifying conductor Daniel Oren. Directed by Marco Gandini and Ronen Peled, the production will feature spectacular projections, lighting effects, fire and lasers which will intensify the opera experience in front of the majestic façade for the mountain where 5,500 spectators will attend the performance each night.
Nabucco at Masada will take place from June 3, 2010 to June 5 2010 with the mountain of Masada as a natural towering backdrop. There will be special lighting, sound and fire effects. The event will be conducted by Daniel Oren and the Opera Orchestra “The Israel Symphony Orchestra of Rishon le Zion” and performed by International Opera singers and “The Israeli Opera Chorus”. It is expected to be spectacular.
Jessye Norman will be returning to give a one night only concert on Friday 4th June 2010, featuring her best repertoire: Opera Arias, Lieder, folk songs and spirituals; with the Opera Orchestra conducted by Rachel Worby.

The Future
Plans are already in place to make the festival an annual event, taking place regularly during the first weekend of the month of June. It is anticipated that the 2011 festival will feature a grand production of Verdi’s spectacular and mesmerising opera Aida.

How to get there
You can either fly into Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea is only about an hour and a half drive away or fly directly into Bar Yehuda Airfield for light aircraft and helicopters which is located new the Masada site.