Ushpizin Music Festival returns to Ashdod with Israeli rock icons, opera, and theater

Ashdod is set to host its 11th annual Ushpizin Music Festival, transforming the city into a cultural hub from September 24 to October 1. The week-long event, coinciding with the intermediate days of Sukkot, will showcase a broad spectrum of artistic talent across three major venues: the Ashdod Amphitheater, the Performing Arts Center, and Yad Labanim.

The festival's main stage at the Ashdod Amphitheater will feature a strong lineup of Israeli rock legends. September 29 will see a triple-threat performance by Evyatar Banai, Amir Benayoun, and Berry Sakharof. The following night, October 1, the amphitheater will host pioneering rocker Shalom Hanoch, '90s alternative band Eifa HaYeled, and punk icon Rami Fortis.

Beyond rock music, the Ashdod Performing Arts Center will present a variety of international and classical performances. The schedule includes the final round of the 18th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition on September 24. Opera enthusiasts can enjoy a full production of Verdi's La Traviata on September 27, featuring the Ashdod Chamber Opera Orchestra and the Tel Aviv Philharmonic Choir. Paraguayan ensemble Los Muchachos Paraguayos and Paraguayan-Israeli harpist David Karlsberg are also slated to perform on September 28. The Israeli Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod will present a "Israeli Soundtrack" concert with Avi Toledano on September 29, followed by the Hebrew Theater's production of My Fair Lady on September 30 and October 1.

Yad Labanim auditorium will focus on musical tributes and intimate performances. Highlights include "A Girl Who Is Quite a Treasure," a musical celebrating Aris San, on September 27, and a gala honoring singer Shlomit Aharon for her 60-year career. The venue will also host a staging of "Loving Daisy" and a night dedicated to American jazz.