with Taylor Christie
24JUL09

Israel Tourism Highlights Once In A Lifetime Opera Experience

It’s no secret that what draws the faithful to Israel has traditionally been its wealth of religious, archeological and historical attractions. The last few years, however, have seen Israel’s classical arts and music scene really emerge as a tourism force.

Oded Grofman, Ellen Melman and Jerry Adler from the State of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism drove that point home at the luncheon they hosted at Toronto’s hip Prego Della Piazza recently.

Their big announcement was the confirmation of what they’re sure will be the world’s biggest opera event in 2010.  Slated for June 3rd, 4th and 5th; Verdi’s Nabucco and Jessye Norman in concert will appear outdoors at the foot of the historic cliffs at Masada. 

Nabucco is Verdi’s biblical four act opera based on the attack and exile of the Jews by Babylonian King Nabucco – or Nebuchadnezzar, as we for some reason refer to him in English.

I am by no means any sort of expert on opera, but Ian Scott, Canada’s foremost Opera educator, was on hand to assure me that this is indeed going to be a landmark event.  The bottom line is, he said, “people will and should travel for such an event.”  And Augfang Travel’s Emile Aufgang has created a special 10-day tour including VIP tickets for Nabucco at Masada and the Jessye Norman concert as well as an exclusive private piano recital by Issak Tavior at his mountaintop villa overlooking the Galilee.

Emile and Barbara Aufgang are celebrating Aufgang Travel’s 60th anniversary this year.  Founded in 1949 by Isaac Aufgang, the agency has a remarkable history of its own and has always specialized in tours to Israel.

Archives