In a press conference that took place at the Israeli Opera on Sunday, September 6th, Tali Barash-Gottlieb, General Director of the Israeli Opera, launched the 2026/27 season with three major artistic announcements. The announcements form part of her vision for the years ahead, intended to strengthen the Israeli Opera’s standing in Israel and internationally:
* The promotion of Shirit Lee Weiss from within the company, following many years in which she directed numerous productions and held a range of artistic roles, to Artistic Director for Opera.
* The extension of Maestro Dan Ettinger’s tenure as Music Director for four additional years.
* The appointment of Martin Engstroem, Founder and Director of the Verbier Festival, as Senior International Artistic Adviser.
The new structure gives expression to a vision shaped by General Director Tali Barash-Gottlieb, with the full support of the Israeli Opera’s Board of Directors, bringing together artistic and musical leadership, extensive international experience and deep knowledge of the company.
The vision builds on the Israeli Opera’s rich artistic legacy, its achievements over the years, including those of recent years under the leadership of Zach Granit, and the work of generations of artists, professionals and institutional leaders who have shaped the company.
In the new structure, Weiss will lead the ongoing artistic planning and development of the operatic program; Maestro Ettinger will lead the musical work and performance excellence of the company’s productions; and Engstroem will contribute his experience, artistic perspective and extensive international relationships.
Future repertoire and seasons will be developed through the Repertoire Committee, comprising Tali Barash-Gottlieb, Shirit Lee Weiss, Maestro Dan Ettinger and Martin Engstroem, and brought to life together with the Israeli Opera’s excellent professional team.
Tali Barash-Gottlieb, General Director of the Israeli Opera, said:
“At such a complex time, culture in general and the Israeli Opera in particular, have an especially important place and role. I am proud to open the Opera’s 41st season with a first-rate artistic team that further strengthens our excellent professional foundation as we work to realize our shared vision: to create outstanding, bold and relevant opera for our loyal and new audiences; to advance Israeli artists and creators and give them visibility in Israel and internationally; and, despite all the challenges, to bring major international productions and leading artists and performers from around the world to our stage”.
*press release from the Israeli Opera, lightly edited
