Masada Opera Festival features 'Aida'

The highly anticipated second annual Masada Opera Festival will feature a world-class selection of operatic performances taking place at the footsteps of Masada in the Judean Desert and in various churches and Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem, June 1-12.

The festival performances include:

Verdi's Requiem (June 3): Maestro Giuliano Carella will conduct the festival presentation of Verdi's Requiem, featuring the orchestra of Arena di Verona accompanied by the Israeli Opera Chorus.

Opera in Jerusalem Churches (June 3): Music lovers will revel in 10 different choral, vocal and chamber music concerts performed by Israeli musicians in various churches around the New and Old City of Jerusalem.

Verdi's 'Aida' (June 4-5, 9, 11): Staged in a specially designed amphitheater at the footsteps of Masada, the festival will feature a new production of Verdi's "Aida" conducted by Israeli maestro Daniel Oren and featuring 120 choristers, 40 dancers and 70 extras, along with the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion. The performances will also feature internationally acclaimed opera singers Paata Burchuladze, Micaela Carosi and Marianne Cornetti, among others.

Verdi's 'Jerusalem' (June 6): For the first time ever, the festival will present a rare performance of Verdi's "Jerusalem" in the open-air Sultan's Pool overlooking the Old City walls in Jerusalem.

Andrea Bocelli at Masada (June 12): A final addition to the festival, world-renowned opera tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform famous arias from popular operas in a one-off performance accompanied by the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion and the Israel Opera Choir.

For more information about the Opera at Masada Weekend, visit www.aidaatmasada.com

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