The renowned opera singer who is currently facing dozens of sexual harassment complaints is expected to take part in prestigious competition in Israel • "There is no place to conduct field trials," the Israeli opera reported

• Placido Domenigo

  Photo:

  AFP

The Israeli Opera announced this morning (13.2) that the Opera "Opera" competition, founded by singer Placido Domingo, will take place in Israel from October 22 to October 28, 2020. Domingo himself, who is currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct, will be present In the country throughout the competition days. He will provide artistic advice to participants and participants and will also conduct the Opera Orchestra - Rishon Le Zion Symphony - in the final phase.

As mentioned, Domingo (78) arrives in Israel about 20 complaints against him for harassment and sexual exploitation. According to the first claims, received from eight singers and one dancer and first performed in August 2019, the acts in question were performed over three decades, starting in the 1980s, in several opera houses where Domingo worked over the years.

In early September, 11 other women testified that Domingo sexually harassed them, taking advantage of his high status in the opera houses. One of the women, soprano Angela Turner Wilson, testified that Domingo held her so hard that she cried in pain, and that later she and other singers avoided being found with Domingo in the same space. Following the charges, and following an investigation on his behalf, the New York Metropolitan Opera House ceased his working relationship with Domingo, and shortly thereafter Domingo also resigned from the Los Angeles Opera House. It should be noted that in Europe Domingo's work continues almost as usual, and last month he performed at the Berlin Opera, despite protests by women's organizations in Germany.

Domingo himself denied the charges against him. "The allegations are very disturbing, but, as presented, are inaccurate," he said, "and I believe that all my connections and relationships were always welcomed and agreed."

The Israeli Opera said in response: "The articles published in the newspaper on the case of Placido Domingo have not, to this day, made a formal complaint, no investigation has been opened, no indictment and no civil lawsuit. There are no grounds for field trials, and so are many important opera houses In the world where Placido Domingo has appeared on their stage in recent months, including La Scala in Milan, Vienna State Opera, Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Berlin State Opera, Valencia Opera House and many others. "

The opera also said that "Operalia is the most prestigious and important competition of young opera singers, founded by Placido Domingo. This competition comes from dozens of contestants from around the world in addition to many senior figures from the opera world. It is a great achievement that this international competition, which is a great holiday for opera art, will take place in Tel Aviv. ".

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