At the invitation of the Israeli Opera, famed blind Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will sing in the foothills of Masada in a onetime performance June 12. The concert will mark the closing of the Opera Festival, which will include performances of “Aida” at the Masada and Jerusalem at the Sultan’s Pool.
Proceeds from the Bocelli concert, held in cooperation with the Or Association, will support residents of the Negev and the Galilee.
Bocelli, 52, will be accompanied by musicians from the Rishon Lezion Symphonic Orchestra and the opera choir. Bocelli’s last visit to Israel was in 2008 in honor of the birthday of Israeli President Shimon Peres.
“Bringing Bocelli to Israel is a considerable accomplishment, but it should be noted that he was very happy to receive the invitation,” said Chana Monitz, manager of the Israeli Opera. “When I told Bocelli about the event and we suggested that he come, he said he would do so gladly and was very interested in taking part. We are thrilled.”

