<<  -- 4 --  Malcolm Miller    CULTURAL FLOWERING

I hope we shall also develop our touring programme, consolidating last year's success at Savonlinna, where we presented Elektra and L'Elisir d'Amore.

But our most immediate project is the Verdi Season at Caesarea, a wonderful open-air setting, which includes a new production of Otello, with a wonderful Israeli bass Gabi Sadeh, and Israeli producer and designers. We hope very much that opera lovers all over will want to come and enjoy this production. Despite the various troubles -- we still continue as usual, and this production promises to be a highlight of the operatic calendar.

MM -- Finally, and in view of the current Verdi Centenary, do you see any chance of NIO ever performing in the Cairo Opera House -- home of Aida?

HM -- This is one of my dreams for the NIO, and in fact I have been in discussion with the Cairo Opera about it, during various cultural meetings in Israel. Their response, after many attempts to raise the topic, was in the end negative -- that the Egyptian government felt it was 'not yet the right time'! But then, when is the right time?

MM -- Let us be hopeful that a 'right time' will come soon, and in the meantime look forward to NIO's Aida at Caesarea, in a new production in summer 2002 as well as to all the rich programmes you have outlined. It remains for me to express admiration and congratulations to you and the NIO for your achievements in the world of opera.