Vino, Verdi and Verona

A Tu Be’Av concert in Ra’anana celebrates three special anniversaries.

By MAXIM REIDER
Daniela Lugasi (photo credit: Courtesy)
Daniela Lugasi
(photo credit: Courtesy)
On July 25, a special concert will take place at the Ra’anana Amphitheater. Soloists from Arena di Verona, one of the world’s leading opera festivals, will join the Ra’anana Symphonette Orchestra in a triple celebration on the Night of Love: the 200 Verdi anniversary celebrations, the 100th anniversary of Arena di Verona; and the 30th anniversary of the Golan Heights Winery. For the occasion, Golan Heights wine will be served at the open- air concert.
This is the first time that soloists from the famous Arena di Verona music institution will perform in Israel.
They were invited by Israeli conductor Omer Meir Wellber, the music director of Ra’anana Symphonette. He has a successful international career and recently made his Arena di Verona debut, leading a grand production of Aida .
Among the participants in the concert are baritone Marco Vratogna, tenor Giorgio Berrugi and clarinetist Giampiero Sobrino, Israeli soprano Mirella Gradinaru, mezzo-soprano Shai Bloch and pianist Shlomi Shaban, as well as the Tel Aviv Chamber Choir. Wellber will conduct, while Israeli soprano Daniela Lugasi and multifaceted musician David Sebba will present the program, which features popular operatic hits.
This is the first time that Lugasi will be the host of a concert.
“I felt honored when I was offered to emcee this concert. Although I have never hosted a concert before, I have TV experience. For two years now, I have hosted a cultural program on Channel 2.
Also, with David Sebba I feel very secure.
I think this will be fun and, on a more serious note, it’s good to be on the other side for a change and not to sing but rather present other singers.
Needless to say, I do know the material,” she laughs. “But this is just a short break from singing. In addition to a classical repertoire, I sing a lot of crossover, and on August 18 at the Zappa club in Herzliya, I will present my new CD.”
July 25 at the Ra’anana Amphitheater.
The concert starts at 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. For reservations: (09) 745- 7773 or *9066