Rejoice in opera in Acre’s Old City

Visitors from Israel and abroad are expected to flock to the spectacular cultural event nestled in the ancient structure that has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By JULIE STEIGERWALD
Take in soloists from the Israeli Opera (photo credit: YOAV FILLY)
Take in soloists from the Israeli Opera
(photo credit: YOAV FILLY)
NORTH
The Acre Opera Festival returns for a weekend of magical music in the enchanted halls and courtyards of the Old City’s Crusader Fortress from August 3 to 5.
Visitors from Israel and abroad are expected to flock to the spectacular cultural event nestled in the ancient structure that has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will serve as a backdrop for the performances.
The festival – a joint initiative by the Israel Opera, the Tourism Ministry, the Acre Municipality and the Treasures of the Galilee initiative – will feature the country’s principal opera company along with dancers from the Vertigo company and music performed by the Israel Camerata Jerusalem Orchestra.
The festival’s program includes a new production of George Frideric Handel’s Giulio Cesare in Egitto directed by Tomer Zvulun; “Made in Israel,” a tribute concert to the late Israeli singer and songwriter Arik Einstein, with operatic renditions by soloists from the Israeli Opera and guest artist Miki Gabrielov; along with the The Magic Flute, a family-friendly opera performed in Hebrew.
Giulio Cesare in Egitto will be performed on August 3 at 8:30 p.m. and August 5 at 8:30 p.m.; tickets cost NIS 300. “Made in Israel” will take the stage on August 4 at 9 p.m., and admission costs NIS 140. The children’s production of The Magic Flute will be performed in the Knight’s Halls on August 5 at 11 a.m and 1 p.m., with entrance costing NIS 60.
Further details and ticket purchase: www.israel-opera.co.il/eng/?CategoryID=817
CENTER
Movie magic in Meir Park Tel Aviv’s central Meir Park is hosting an evening of free film screenings under the stars on July 11.
The Park Cinema initiative, organized by the Tel Aviv LGBT Center, will feature three simultaneous film screenings on three separate screens in the park that houses the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center.
The featured movies will include Oscar winner Moonlight, Disney family favorite Moana and a surprise showing.
The event will utilize new technology to broadcast audio from the films through attendees’ smartphones connected to headphones.
The event starts at 8:30 p.m. and is due to run until 11 p.m. While admission is free, registration is required via the event’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/events/852766444879341/ Jaffa museum to hold night of art, wine and jazz The Ilana Goor Museum in Jaffa is opening its doors to young patrons of the arts on July 5 for an evening of creative works, wine and jazz.
The Tel Aviv Night in the Museum event hosted by the Tel Aviv Arts Council will feature an enchanted evening full of English-language tours, talks by painters and sculptors, libations provided by the Golan Heights Winery and soothing jazz tunes at the iconic artist residency overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The event runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is open exclusively to young adults in their 20s and 30s.
Tickets cost NIS 30 and can be purchased at: IlanaGoorTelAvivArts.eventbrite.com/ .
SOUTH
Ashdod museum to host archeology summer camp The Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture in Ashdod is hosting an archeology summer camp geared toward children seeking to dig up some fun.
During the week of July 23 to 30, the camp will offer age-appropriate treasure hunting and excavation activities. The camp session runs daily from 8 a.m to 1 p.m.
During the exploratory week, campers will also learn about ancient cultures and mythology, including those from ancient Greek, Chinese and Mayan civilizations.
Registration is open to children in third to sixth grades and costs NIS 700.
Art, culture to flourish in Beersheba Fringe Festival Some 40 shows and more than 200 artists will take part in this year’s International Fringe Festival in Beersheba from July 11 to 13.
In its seventh year running, the multidisciplinary festival is considered to be the largest cultural event in the South and one of the leading such happenings in the country.
The diverse artistic lineup includes street theater performers from Spain, a French street circus, a Romanian dance show, Israeli street artists and performances from Austria. Israeli music sensations Lola Marsh and Shafita are also to take part in the three-day festival.
It will cater to the whole family, with children’s plays in the form of stage adaptations of literary classics such as The Little Prince and Israeli favorite The Sixteenth Sheep.
The celebration of art and culture will take place in seven complexes in the city, including the Youth Center, 33 Hehalutz; the Fringe Theater; the Youth Center Parking; the Fringe Theater Plaza; and Anielewicz Street.
For more information and ticket details: www.iffb7.com/en/.