The U.S.-Israel Opera Initiative is set to launch on June 15, 2025, with a special program featuring the Washington premiere screening of the acclaimed Israeli opera “Theodor.”

The event will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and will include remarks by the opera’s composer, Yonatan Cnaan, and live performances from members of the cast and the Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists program.

Theodor, inspired by the life and legacy of Theodor Herzl, brings to life the story of a visionary whose ideas helped shape modern history.

The U.S.-Israel Opera Initiative aims to foster enduring collaboration through co-productions, educational programming, and cultural dialogue between the two nations. It builds on more than 77 years of strong U.S.-Israel relations and reflects a broader mission to connect communities through the universal language of music.

In a statement, Daniel Glaser, Founder of The U.S.-Israel Opera Initiative said, “This initiative is about more than performance—it’s about building bridges through the power of art. By bringing together two leading opera companies from the United States and Israel, we’re celebrating our nations’ enduring friendship and shared values through a dynamic, creative partnership that will resonate far beyond the stage.”

Timothy O’Leary, General Director of Washington National Opera, added, “The Washington National Opera has always been deeply committed to building relationships through artistic communication and collaboration. It’s an honor to be working with the Israeli Opera in this way, and with dedicated volunteers and supporters.”

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