TEL AVIV.- Now in its 14th year, the annual Felicja Blumental International Music Festival plays an important role in making the musical scene interesting and alive. Although Tel Aviv has always been well known for its classical music activities, it never before had a classical music festival that combines, in one intense and exciting week: The annual Guitar Week, a colorful selection of concerts, movies and theatre productions, Chamber music, orchestral concerts, recitals, vocal music and family programs.

At midday, on Friday, May 18th 2012, the Felicja Blumental International Music Festival will be presenting a tribute to the French composer, Jules Massenet (1842-1912), in celebration of his Centenary.

For Annette Celine, Artistic Director of the Felicja Blumental International Music Festival, the music of Massenet and other composers of his time is a never-ending journey of discovery, reflecting the creativity and spirit of that era. "It was such a creative period in France, with beautiful paintings, great poetry and original designs inspiring and influencing each other. This is why, in addition to Massenet, I also requested that the artists sing arias by his contemporaries, in order to present this wonderful music in the context of its period."

The acclaimed pianist, Felicja Blumental, performed and recorded more than 30 piano concertos during the years 1949 – 1985, many of which were unknown to the audiences of that time. The unique concert on May 18th will include one of these concertos composed by Ferdinand Ries (who was a pupil of Beethoven) performed by the young and promising pianist Ilan Levine.

The annual Felicja Blumental International Music Festival continues the legacy of the renowned pianist Felicja Blumental, presenting its audience with unusual programs and an intriguing repertoire. Her daughter, Annette Celine, has also chosen to include documentary movies about other great artists from the past, movies about B. Huberman, W. Horowitz and W. Landowska will be screened.

Friday May 18th, 2012, 12:00 midday
Yishay Steckler, conductor. Israel Chamber Orchestra.
Alla Vasilevitzki, soprano; Shimrit Carmi, soprano; Ilan Levine, piano

Program:
K. F. Ries (1784-1838) – Piano Concerto in C# minor, op. 55
C. Gounod (1818-1893) – Jewel Song (Faust)
C. Gounod (1818-1893) – Je veux vivre (Romeo&Juliet)
R. Hahn (1874-1947) – "A Chloris"
Thomas (1811-1896) – "Je suis Titania" (Mignon)
Delibes (1836-1891) – Air des Clochettes (Lakme)
G. Charpentier (1860 – 1956) – Depuis le jour (Luize)
J. Massenet (1842-1912) – "Adieu, ma petite table" and "Gavotte" (Manon)
L. Delibes (1836-1891) - Flower duette (Lakme)