Last update - 00:00 31/10/2006
Oren returns to the Opera
By Zipi Shohat
Despite the crisis in their relationship, conductor Daniel Oren will be appearing with the Israeli Opera to conduct "Tosca" for the 2008-2009 season. The opera will be directed by Hugo De Ana.
The crisis between the successful conductor and the Israeli Opera began in December 2004, when it became known that Oren had committed to conducting "The Barber of Seville" for the Paris Opera on the same dates he had committed to conducting "Pagliacci" for the Israeli Opera.
Oren explained at the time that he was dissatisfied with the ensemble of singers at the Israeli Opera and had therefore cancelled his trip to Israel. Israeli Opera Director General Hanna Munitz remarked that this was just an excuse. Munitz was furious she had found out by chance, while visiting the Opera House in Paris.
"It saddens me," Munitz said at the time, "that Oren prefers to work at another opera house instead of coming to Israel, thus disappointing the audience that so awaits him."
Ultimately, the cancellation of Oren's appearance here did not cause the Israeli Opera any real damage. "Pagliacci" was performed under the baton of Marco Zambelli, who was recommended by performance director Franco Zeffirelli. The opera was such a success and the demand for tickets was so great that two additional performances were scheduled.
Since then the Israeli Opera and Oren have been at odds, and Oren even made some uncomplimentary statements about the management of the Israeli Opera.
Their relationship was renewed when Oren visited Israel a few months ago. The conductor met with Munitz and they decided he would conduct "Tosca," which was performed by the Israeli Opera in the 1999-2000 season.
"Daniel Oren is a top-class conductor," explains Munitz now, "and after our meeting we sorted everything out concerning his relationship with the opera. I can see the benefits for the Israeli Opera, our audience and Oren himself through his work with us."