The 52nd annual Israel Festival showcases dance, music and theater performances by international and Israeli artists in Jerusalem from 23 May until 22 June 2013. Being Israel's largest art and culture festival, The Israel Festival showcases a diverse selection of performances in concert halls, theaters and outdoor venues throughout Jerusalem.

Events include(d):

• An opening night concert featuring Israeli songwriter Shlomi Shaban performing alongside guests Asaf Avidan, Berry Sakharof and Ninet Tayeb at the new First Railway Station entertainment complex, 23 and 24 May
• A collaborative dance performance of Goldlandbergs, featuring the Emmanuel Gat Dance Company in conjunction with Tel Aviv's Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater at the Jerusalem Theater, Sherover Hall, 25 May
• Housen, a site-specific dance adaptation of House at the Hansen House in Jerusalem's Talbiya neighborhood, 28-30 May, 1 June, 5-6 June, 8 June
• A concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring performed by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at the Henry Crown Concert Hall, 29 May
• World premiere of a new dance piece by choreographer Rami Be'er, entitled Undivided Void, and performed by the Kibbutz Dance Company at the Jerusalem Theater, Sherover Hall, 29-30 May
• Dressed to Dance, a unique dance performance featuring flamenco costumes from Madrid, several of which were designed by Dali and Picasso, to the accompaniment of live music at the Tower of David, 30 May and 1 June
• An English-language performance of Hideki Noda's The Bee at the Rebecca Crown Auditorium, 31 May and 1 June
• A musical concert featuring the State Choir-Latvia and Hortus Musicus conducted by Andres Mastonen in front of the Old City Walls, 1 June
• A dance performance by the Grand Théâtre de Genève at the Jerusalem Theater, Sherover Hall, 7-8 June
• The 1927 theater company performing The Animals and Children Took to the Streets at Beit Shmuel Guest House, 8-9 June

“The Israel Festival has long been considered one of the most diverse and dynamic cultural festivals in Israel,” said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America. “The festival will be sure to add some additional excitement for travelers arriving in my hometown of Jerusalem this spring.”

For more information about The Israel Festival and events taking place have a look at the full programme and visit www.israel-festival.org.il.

(Photo: Vincent Lepresle)