Israeli Opera Building, Tel Aviv

The Israeli Opera, previously the New Israeli Opera, holds a notable position in Israel's cultural scene. It was established in 1985 as a successor to the Israel National Opera, which had shut down due to a lack of government support. Since 1994, the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center has been the main venue for the Israeli Opera's shows. This center, more than an opera house, hosts various dance and music events.

The origin of the Israeli Opera can be linked to Mordechai Golinkin, a Russian-born Jewish conductor. Following the 1917 Balfour Declaration, Golinkin formed a choir to gather funds and relocated to Mandatory Palestine in 1923. He founded the Erez-Israeli Opera, debuting with Verdi's "La Traviata" in Tel Aviv. However, due to financial issues, it stopped operations after staging 17 operas by 1927.

The Israel National Opera, started by American soprano Edis de Philippe in 1945, was the leading opera company until it closed in 1982. The New Israeli Opera came about in 1985, partnering with the Cameri Theatre of Tel Aviv and the Israel Chamber Orchestra. Its first show was Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" in 1987/88. Under Hanna Munitz's leadership, the Israeli Opera now performs in original languages with Hebrew and English subtitles.

The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center itself, designed by Yaakov Rechter with the foyer by Ron Arad, is a key part of the cultural landscape of the area. It's next to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Beit Ariela Sha'ar Zion Library, connected by a Piazza. The addition of the Cameri Theater in a later expansion enhanced its role as a major cultural hub in Tel Aviv. This center, since its opening, has been the permanent residence of the Israeli Opera, marking a new chapter in Israel's cultural life and offering a top-notch venue for exceptional operatic performances.