FILM 1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a “unexpected journey” to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug. Stars: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Richard Armitage.
At cinemas around the country.
EXHIBITIONS 2. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
“Daddy! Look!” is glass artist Sylvia Zimmerman’s new exhibition. It is dedicated to her father, who was a tailor in Argentina. Zimmerman reconstructed her father’s workroom, including sewing machines, scissors, buttons, fabrics and garments – all made from glass.
Until February 4 at the Hankin Gallery in Holon, 109 Hankin Street, (03) 559-0021, Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free entry.3. BREAKABLES
“Smashing!” is a collection of artwork that scrutinizes the (un)holy moment of smash, blast and crash of a piece of pottery, along with attempts to reconstruct and recontextualize the fragments that return to the substance stage to create a new phase and forms of life.
Until February 23 at the Benyamini Contemporary Ceramics Center, 17 Ha’amal Street, Tel Aviv, (03) 518-2257, Monday to Thursday 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
4. FLEETING GLORY
“Fame” (working title) is an exhibition that focuses on the transient nature of being a celebrity. These days, being famous, a celebrity, a star seems to be many people’s dream. The exhibition explores the idea of fame and being an icon.
December 27 to February 20 at Beit Dondikov, 32 Ya’acov Street, Rehovot, (08) 939-0390 MUSIC 5. HOLIDAY TRIBUTE
Following the Choral Fantasy events of last month, a second marathon of vocal music will take place on Saturday, paying tribute to the three major monotheistic religions. On the program are Eshakina, a new work by Sharon Farber that incorporates Arab, Jewish and universal elements; Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols; and much more. With the Gary Bertini Choir, the Ankor Choir, the Shahar Choir and soloists. A Christmas concert on December 24 will end this year’s Choral Fantasy events.
YMCA, Jerusalem at 5 and 7 p.m. For a detailed program: www.ymca-fantasy.com or (02) 569-2693. For tickets, call (09) 894-5957.6. WITHOUT A CONDUCTOR
The next concert of the Netanya Kibbutzim Orchestra, Concertanta, will be performed with no one on the conductor’s podium. With soloists Avri Leviathan and Roy Shiloach and first violinist Gilad Heldesheim. On the program are Mozart’s last symphony, Vivaldi’s oboe concerto and Schubert’s fifth symphony.
Saturday at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and and Tuesday in Ein Hahoresh.7. MUSICAL BRIDGES
The international festival of chamber music, Gesharim, returns to Tel Aviv for the second time with musical director violinist Dora Schwartzberg in collaboration with the Dan Hotels. The concerts will take place at the Dan Hotel in Tel Aviv (tonight and tomorrow); Saturday at the Jaffa Museum of Antiques; and Sunday and Tuesday at ZOA Tel Aviv.
For the full program of concerts and master classes: www.bridges-tlv.com; 1-700- 505-080; (03)524-7373.DANCE 8. ENJOY DANCE IN JERUSALEM
The annual festival of Mahol Shalem Dance House takes place in Jerusalem.
There are performances as well as workshops that give local audiences an opportunity to enjoy excellent dance performances close to home.
The Jerusalem Dance Festival. For more information or tickets, visit
www.maholshalem.org.
OPERA 9. CELEBRATE VERDI’S BIRTHDAY
Honoring the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s birth, the Israeli Opera presents for the first time in Israel the opera Louisa Miller with maestro Daniel Oren conducting and a superb cast of soloists.
January 3 to 19, Opera House, Tel Aviv. For details: www.israel-opera.co.il 10. KIDS JOIN THE CARNIVAL
The next concert in the Tzlilei Kesem series for children brings the magic of the Venetian Mask Carnival to kids with Italy’s most colorful composers – Vivaldi, Scarlatti and Rossini. The rich production includes actors, dancers and live music as Nitza Shaul takes children on a fantasy journey to the past. For ages four and up.
January 8 to 10 at 5 and 6:30 p.m., Opera House Studio, Tel Aviv, (03) 692- 7777, www.israel-opera.co.il