The Opera Master Class, presented for the first time in Tel Aviv in March 2006, draws on the talents of young opera singers from both Los Angeles and Tel Aviv. Modeled after the Tel Aviv/Los Angeles Partnership’s Film and Television Master Class, its goal is to create direct relationships among rising operatic stars in L.A. and Israel as they learn from international teachers of their craft.

The seminar, held at the Israeli Conservatorium for Music and the Cinemataque, offers singers from both communities the opportunity to work with teachers and instructors from Israel and the United State. Masters have included bass singer Kurt Ridal, opera stage and costume designer Gottfried Helnwein and the Israeli director Omri Nitzan. Participants learn about such pertinent subjects as acting in opera, Shakespeare and the Dell'Arte comedy, fencing and movement for the opera singers.