‘La Traviata’ times two

Verdi’s La Traviata is in the top 10 on just about every ‘favorite opera’ list.

By HELEN KAYE, JPOST.COM STAFF
La traviata 370 (photo credit: Courtesy PR)
La traviata 370
(photo credit: Courtesy PR)
‘La Traviata’ times two
It’s at number two on one list, three on another, five on a third; Verdi’s La Traviata is in the top 10 on just about every ‘favorite opera’ list and certainly figures in ours.
In July 1923, La Traviata was the first opera presented in then Eretz Israel. 90 years and four production later, the Israel Opera presents the fifth and all new production of the tragic tale of the courtesan Violetta from May 11 – June 16.
The IO’s music director David Stern will conduct, alternating with up-and-comer Daniel Cohen. There are 10 local singers in the production including soprano Mirela Gradinaru alternating with Lana Kos and Aurelia Florian as Violetta. Tenor Cristian Mogosan makes his Israeli debut as Alfred, alternating with Jean Francois Borras – the duke in Rigoletto. The director is Andrejs Îagars.
And those wanting Traviata twice can see it again under the baton of Daniel Oren at Masada June 12, 14, 16 & 17.
Independence Day at the Tower of David
The Secular Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Bina, and the Tower of David Museum are establishing a young and innovative tradition for Independence Day: studying the Declaration of Independence and then joining in film screenings, discussions, theater, study, a campfire, a concert and a party until dawn.
It is the first event of its kind to combine a celebration of independence with religious and secular ceremonies and to mix intellectuals and politicians with artists, journalists and musicians.
The event will begin with a Havdalah ceremony to mark the transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day. It will be led by teachers from the Secular Yeshiva who will also lead a discussion on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence.
singer Shira Z. Carmel will host young Jerusalem musicians in performances in new renditions of traditional “Land of Israel” folk songs, as well as the “Story of Israel” group who will perform songs and stories around the campfire.
At 11 p.m., the band The Giraffes will perform and afterwards there will be a party in the courtyard with DJ Gal Kadan (Laissez Passer, Balkadan) until the early hours of the morning.
For more info visit www.towerofdavid.org.il
Architect Ram Karmi dies at 82
Ram Karmi, one of Israel’s top architects who designed the Supreme Court building in Jerusalem, died last Thursday at the age of 82.
The Jerusalem-born Karmi won the Israel Prize for Architecture in 2002. Among the buildings he designed were the controversial Holyland project and Habima Theater, as well as the new Tel Aviv Central Bus Station and the renovated Ben-Gurion Airport.