In 1961 the ancient Roman Theater in Caesarea came alive once again as the site of the Israel Festival established by Aaron Zvi Propes. Originally conceived as a summer music festival, the Israel Festival became a showcase for all the performing arts and spread to additional locations throughout the country. Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, adopted the Israel Festival in 1982 and now most performances are held in venues throughout the city.
Each year for several weeks during the spring Jerusalem becomes the center for performing arts in Israel. The Israel Festival showcases international artists, and hosts premiers of new Israeli works together with performances by well-known Israeli artists. No one is left out of the fun and excitement as there is something for everyone from free street theater to shows especially geared toward children. Jazz lovers flock to the jazz club which is open every night.
The goal of the Israel Festival and its organizers, producers and performers is to transcend national and political borders using the medium of music and theater to promote artistic cooperation between Israeli and international artists and to encourage the public broaden their horizons by sampling new and innovative productions.
As a non-profit organization the Israel Festival is headed by a public board of directors whose chairman is Dan Halperin. The director-general Yossi Tal-Gan is assisted by a talented staff of advisors including Gil Shohat-classical music, Shlomo Israeli-international music and jazz and Rachel Bilski-Cohen-dance. A small staff of five is responsible for the Festival, augmented with additional staff during the weeks of the Israel Festival performances.
Jerusalem Hotels
Information about Israel Festival Calendar and Venus
Israel Hotels