Film Version of Theodor Herzl Opera Premiers in New York

Performance of Theodor: The Unknown Story of Herzl (YouTube screenshot) (YouTube screenshot)

Theodor: The Unknown Story of Herzl was rated as one of the best operas of 2023 by Opera Now magazine.

By Shula Rosen

On Monday, the Israeli Opera celebrated the US premiere of the film version of an opera about Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism.

Theodor: The Unknown Story of Herzl was rated as one of the best operas of 2023 by Opera Now magazine.

The event, held at Temple Emmanuel in New York City, honored the premier of the film version of the Opera in the US and Herzl’s 120th birthday.

In addition to performing pieces from the Opera, the singers presented a rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables to remember the hostages still held in Gaza.

The event features the Israeli Opera’s leading soloists: Oded Reich (Herzl), Noam Heinz (Theodor), and Anat Czarny (Julie), accompanied by Yonatan Cnaan on piano.They closed the evening with a rousing rendition of “Hatikva,” the Israeli national anthem.

The Opera, which was three years in the making, was composed by Cnaan, directed by librettist Ido Ricklin and conducted by Nimrod David Pfeffer.

The Opera introduces the audience to Theodor Herzl’s challenges and the experiences that shaped his revolutionary vision to establish a state for the Jewish People.

The story also explores Herzl’s personal side, which is not featured in the history books. It shows a man who keeps trying to find his place in the world in spite of repeated disappointment and broken dreams.

Ellacomm filmed the piece with the members of the Israeli Opera not long after the tragic events of October 7th.

The Opera is scheduled to return to the stage in March 2025, and the film will be available for private audiences to view.

“The Israeli Opera is proud to present Herzl’s unique story with this original opera,” Tali Barash Gottlieb, the Israeli Opera’s Executive Director, said.

“We are certain that its unique significance, especially in these challenging times, will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide and we are grateful to Mr. Daniel Jusidman and the Jusidman Foundation for this initiative and continued support.”

“I was excited to bring Theodor to New York, especially at this pivotal moment in the history of the Jewish state. Sharing Herzl’s vision and values through my music feels more urgent than ever”, the Opera’s composer Yonatan added.