La Scala comes to Tel Aviv

More than 400 artists from La Scala, Milan, will come to Tel Aviv for six performances of Verdi's Aida in Zeffirelli's classical production.

More than 400 artists from La Scala, Milan, will come to Tel Aviv for six performances of Verdi's Aida in Zeffirelli's classical production, under chief conductor Daniel Barenboim. The special tour of La Scala, which rarely leaves Italy, is dedicated to Tel Aviv's 100th anniversary celebrations; it is being made possible by the support of the Italian Embassy as well of that of companies and private donors. The visiting artists will also perform Verdi's Requiem in an open-air concert at Ganei Yehoshua, followed by a reception. The list of soloists features many of the world's leading voices, who usually perform with La Scala. About 900 guests will join the musicians. The delegation includes members of the Israeli Opera Friends Associations from Rome, Milan and London, as well as Milan's Mayor Letizia Moratti, Ministers Sandro Bondi and Mara Carfagna and La Scala CEO Stephane Lissner. The premiere takes place July 14 at TAPAC in the presence of the President Shimon Peres. The performances run from July 14 to 24, with Barenboim's young Israeli assistant Omer Wellber leading part of the performances. The concert in Ganei Yehoshua is July 16. For more details and reservations: (03) 692-7777 or www.israel-opera.co.il.