"Song of the Slaves": Opera House Singers Demonstrate Israel today

Following the decision of the Opera House management to fire most of the singers, the artists gathered outside the hall and performed the "Slave Song"

• Singers of the Opera House in "Song of the Slaves"

  Photography: 

  PR

At the end of the last of 55 hearings, which took place over four consecutive days, the singers of the Opera Choir gathered outside the Opera House today (Tuesday), conducted by House Conductor Yishai Steckler and retired choir conductor, and performed Vardi's "Slave Song" in protest of the management's decision Dismiss at least 55 choir singers out of 62. Dozens of passers-by gathered around the musicians, cheering them on and applauding them.

The anger of the singers was great, as only yesterday the Ministry of Culture announced that additional assistance of NIS 10 million will be transferred to the Israeli Opera, and instead of assisting its employees, the management chooses to fire its artists and intends to act only as administrative staff, without artists. 

"Minister of Culture Hili Trooper, did you mean that when you were struggling to obtain additional financial support for cultural institutions?

"In your shift, will the aid money go to the administration for property taxes and walls and not to its artists?" Shouted the musicians. 

About a week ago, the singers received hearing letters before dismissal, as part of the opera management's decision to disband the choir, CEO Tzach Granit told the media that according to tests conducted around the world, it was concluded that choir performances were a high source of infection. A season without a choir, as difficult as this decision is. "

The Minister of Culture and Sports, Hili Trooper, said: "From the moment we learned of the intention to lay off workers, we are trying to reach a proper and respectful compromise. Today there were a number of important meetings in which it was decided that the parties will return to the negotiating table. As much as we can to prevent layoffs. " 

The Israeli Opera responded:

"Cultural institutions around the world, as well as the Israeli Opera, are currently facing a new and complex reality, which is unknown when it will end. A number of cases around the world show that infection rates among choir singers are extremely high. Opera in St. Petersburg with the participation of a choir, more than half of the participants were infected. 

"In order to protect the health of all participants in opera productions and opera staff, the Israeli Opera has decided to hold only productions without a choir in the coming season. This situation may continue in season 21/22 if the corona does not pass. In light of the fact that it is not possible to resume productions With a choir, the Israeli Opera has already decided to transfer to the choir singers all the money that has accrued to their credit, including the severance pay, in order to help them deal with the difficulties arising from non-employment for such a long period.

"It is important to note that although many opera houses around the world have chosen to cancel the 20/21 season altogether following the Corona crisis, the Israeli Opera has decided to hold the season with six new productions that will provide employment for a large number of artists, including opera soloists, musicians, composers, directors, designers .