Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ to echo in the Old City

The Jerusalem Opera will put on two performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at David’s Tower in the Old City.

By BARRY DAVIS
DON GIOVANNI (photo credit: Courtesy)
DON GIOVANNI
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Jerusalem Opera will put on two performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at David’s Tower in the Old City of Jerusalem on October 6 and 10 (both at 8 p.m.).
Don Giovanni is one of the most popular works in the entire operatic portfolio and has continued to pack in the crowds since it was unveiled to the public at the Teatro di Praga in Prague on October 29, 1787.
The two-act opera, with libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, who also wrote the words for two of Mozart’s other great operas, The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi fan tutte, is loosely based on the exploits of the legendary womanizer Don Juan.
Don Giovanni tells the tale of how the eponymous figure’s dastardly deeds set off a chain of events that impact on all kinds of people from all walks of life. There is plenty of drama, comedy, love and intrigue in the operatic mix for both cast and audience to enjoy.
The Old City open-air production is directed by Italian baritone Gabriele Ribis, who also stars in the central singing role. The other members of the vocal lineup include Italian bass-baritone Dario Giorgele and some of our own top opera performers, such as sopranos Olga Senderskaya, Efrat Raz and Shaked Bar, baritones Yaakov Strizhak and Netanel Zalevsky and tenor Oshri Segev. Vocal support will be provided by the singers of the Jerusalem Opera, with the Jerusalem Opera Orchestra laying down the instrumental substratum, while Omer Arieli will conduct.
The musical entertainment will be enhanced by the historic backdrop of the Old City walls which will be specially illuminated for the occasion by lighting designer Yogi Mazuz, with video art designed by Italian video artist and photographer Gianmarco D’Agostino adding to the audience’s experience. The onstage action will also be shown on screens located around the venue.
For tickets and more information: *6226 and www.bimot.co.il