The Israeli Opera

“This is an opera about everything,” director Ido Ricklin says. "“It’s about love and loneliness, idealism and self-interest – and it’s at the same time about art and life itself."

Adapted from the 1851 novel Scenes of Bohemian Life by Henri Murger, Puccini’s version soared to hold a unique place in the hearts of audiences ever since it was first performed in 1896.

The opera was recently performed at the Israeli Opera in a vivid homage to the late director Omri Nitzan under revival director Shirit Lee Weiss. 

These are the top 10 reasons to leave the house this week.

Fun events to take part in throughout Israel in the coming week.

“When it was first performed, the work was a way to commemorate terrible days that, it was hoped, will never return, yet to our great sorrow they do,” director Ido Ricklin told The Jerusalem Post.

Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore will be performed daily, except on Tuesday, November 12, with the final show set to take place on Monday, November 18.

Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore opens the Israeli Opera's 2025 season with a unique Israeli twist.

Israel has plenty to do during the holiday week.

The opera is in the process of reorganizing its managerial responsibilities in order to successfully cope with new challenges.

It is a thought-provoking production, and the costumes, acting, and singing of Verdi’s inspirational music all combine for a memorable experience.