OPERA
Israeli Opera
After the resounding success of last year's Nabucco at Masada, the Israel Opera is doing it again: the Second Open Air Opera Festival raises its curtain in June. The program is almost entirely Verdi, with the centre-piece being a new production of Aida. Originally staged in honour of the opening of the Suez Canal in 1871, this new production makes its Middle East debut in the lowest place on earth, at the foot of Masada. Camels are included in the price of admission. In Jerusalem the festival kicks off on June 2 with a gala concert featuring the Arena di Verona Orchestra and soloists from the Israeli Opera. On Monday, June 6, art imitates life imitates art as the Israeli Opera performs Verdi's Jerusalem in (you guessed it) Jerusalem. This one-night only production will be held in Sultan's Pool, underlooking the walls of the Old City. Tourists can purchase festival packages online at www.aidaatmasada.com.
Danish Royal Opera
If the repertoire for Israel's opera festival is "very Verdi", one can say that the Royal Danish Opera this year is "principally Puccini". Three lusciously lavish productions dominate the 2010-11 season.
Madame Butterfly shares the stage through mid-April with a production of La Boheme. Renowned soprano Anna Netrebko assumed the role of Mimi in select performances last December. In May, exit Mimi, enter Turandot. Guest Finnish conductor, Jukka-Pekka Saraste picks up the baton from May 26 through June 11.
All three operas are performed in Italian with Danish subtitles. In summer the opera will be holding an open air concert at the Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen on August 20. For information on these and other productions, see www.kglteater.dk.
Swedish Royal Opera
In addition to its regular evening repertoire, the Royal Swedish Opera
offers buffs a series of lunchtime concerts. The festivities begin at high noon and the SEK 180 admission includes a light meal. Evening performances at the Swedish Royal Opera throughout the spring months include: Don Pasquale, Stifellio, La Boheme and Zemire and Azor. Stifellio and La Boheme are performed in Italian with Swedish subtitles, while Don Pasquale and Zemire and Azor have been translated into Swedish and will be performed without subtitles. For more information and tickets, see www.operan.se.
Drottningholm
Just outside Stockholm lies Drottningholm Court Theatre, one of Europe's best preserved 18th century theatres. A unique attraction with its original scenery, its 200-year old stage machinery and interior decoration are virtually untouched by the passage of time. This summer, Don Giovanni will be the main attraction. For the complete calendar from May to August, see www.dtm.se
