in Rishon LeZion. The ISO was the first orchestra in Israel to perform works by Richard Strauss and Alexander Zemlinsky. For its dedication and its outstanding achievement in the advancement of original Israeli works the ISO has been awarded the ACUM Prize. Meitar Opera Studio Founded in 2000, the Meitar Opera Studio is a practical study and performance program for young Israeli opera singers who graduated from any given music academy and who are getting ready for an operatic career. The major goal of the Meitar Opera Studio is to help young opera singers to work in their profession and gain stage experience. Singers who are part of the program perform in Israeli Opera productions as well as concerts in Israel and abroad. The opera house and children The Israeli Opera offers two programs aimed specifically at children: Children Opera Hour: One hour long opera performances in full costume, accompanied by piano and commentary, performed by singers of the Meitar Opera Studio. This program is aimed at children aged 5–10. Sounds of Magic: Children show, running since 2001, written and edited by Nitza Saul. Sounds of Magic is aimed at children aged 2–6. Each show focuses on introducing the children to one composer, musical style or era. In addition, the opera offers education programs, lectures and workshops for schools and kindergartens. Israel Opera Festival The Israel open-air opera festival was inaugurated by the Israeli Opera in 2010. The main events of the festival take place in Masada, with additional operas sung in the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem and in the Citadel of Acre. As part of the Israeli Opera's social activity, dress rehearsals in Masada are open free of charge to periphery inhabitants. World premieres Operas which were given their world premiere by Israeli Opera include: Josef Tal's Josef (1995) Gil Shohat's Alpha and Omega (2001) Gil Shohat's The Child Dreams (2010) Music directors Yoav Talmi (1985–1988) Gary Bertini (1988–2005) Asher Fisch (2005–2008) David Stern (2008–2014) Daniel Oren (2014–2017) Dan Ettinger (2018–present) References External links Israeli opera companies Music in Tel Aviv Musical groups established in 1985 1985 establishments in Israel