Jerusalem Theatre hosts Massenet’s Cinderella in a one-time opera event

The Jerusalem Opera, collaborating with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, presents a rare performance of Jules Massenet's opera 'Cinderella' (Cendrillon) on June 18 at the Jerusalem Theatre. This single-performance event marks the culmination of months of preparation for the production.

“

This was another reason why to show it in Jerusalem.

Massenet's 'Cinderella,' based on Charles Perrault's classic fairytale, premiered in Paris in 1899. While the opera is known for its enchanting arias and a musical style reminiscent of the French Baroque, it is not frequently performed, even among opera enthusiasts. The Jerusalem Opera chose this work precisely because of its relative obscurity and its status as a magical piece within the operatic repertoire.

“

one of the most magical works in the operatic repertoire, with beautiful musical harmonies.

Omer Arieli, co-founder of the Jerusalem Opera and conductor for the performance, highlighted the opera's beautiful musical harmonies. He noted that audiences, familiar with the basic Cinderella story, can focus on appreciating the music. Massenet's rendition offers a gentle, dreamy, and sometimes melancholic world, shifting focus from external events to the inner emotional landscape of loneliness, longing, and love.

“

It’s about dating life, a very relevant story; I based it on my dating experiences, and of people I know.

Stage director Daniel Lasry, a former opera singer, brings a contemporary perspective to the story, drawing parallels to modern dating experiences. He emphasized Massenet's inclusion of Cinderella's father, who is present but not fully engaged in his daughter's life, and highlighted the 'internal fire' as a central theme. Soprano Mima Millo will portray Cinderella, with Noa Hope Sion as the stepmother.

“

The center for me is the internal fire. Like the fireplace is also part of their home.