Jerusalem Opera Festival 2011 (Photo: Israeli Opera)
Jerusalem Opera Festival cancelled
Jerusalem events abruptly called off; Masada concerts to be held as usual. Jerusalem Development Authority: Festival cancelled for technical reasons
The Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) has abruptly cancelled the Jerusalem Opera Festival scheduled to take place in Zedekiah's Cave,
Ynet learned Thursday.
The JDA cited technical difficulties as the reason, but unofficial sources said that the Jerusalem events were in fact cancelled due to financial reasons.
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"The costs of the productions are very high, and at this point it is unclear whether the collaborating parties can fulfill their commitments," a souces said.
The international Opera Festival has turned into a major tourist attraction over the past few years.
This year the festival will opened with a grandiose production of Bizet's Carmen at Masada. The production is directed by Giancarlo del Monaco-Zukerman, whit Daniel Oren as conductor.
The Jerusalem branch of the festival was meant to introduce the opera to new audiences, as 2011's festival events in the capital were very successful.
This year, the festival was supposed to be staged at the unique historic location of Zedekiah's Cave, and include a partial production of Verdi's La Traviata.
Festival events were also suppose to include a partial production of Puccini's La Boheme at Jerusalem's Sultan's Pool, and a concert performed by Arena di Verona Orchestra featuring favorite opera hits. All the events were called off.
