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Monthly Screenings

Cinematic Variations on Live Classical Music 2024/2025

From Toscanini, Furtwängler and Claudio Abbado through Martha Argerich, Van Cliburn, Viktor Ullmann and Paul Dessau to Joséphine Baker, Klaus Mäkelä, Carlos Saura, Emir Kusturica, Michel Legrand and Tirza Atar

This season, Cinematic Variations on Live Classical Music will include 14 events on Saturday mornings at 11:00.

Each event includes a short concert, lecture in Hebrew and screening of a full-length film.

Unless otherwise indicated, each event lasts 2-3 hours.

The concerts and lectures will feature Israel's finest artists and speakers in the fields of music and dance.

The Season is dedicated to the memory of the program's founder, Costel Safirman>>>

TICKET PRICE: 90 NIS

SENIOR CITIZENS AND SOLDIERS: 75 NIS

CINEMATHEQUE MEMBERS: 60 NIS PER EVENT

 

CINEMATHEQUE SUBSCRIBERS MAY PURCHASE A MULTI TICKET THAT INCUDES FREE ADMISSION TO TEN OF THE CINEMATIC VARIATIONS EVENTS, AT AN ADDITIONAL PRICE OF 310 NIS

 

*The multi-ticket is personal and is valid for the 2024/2025 season only.

*Tickets (for both subscription holders and for single tickets) may be ordered for the next event in advance, beginning Friday before each event.

*There will be no refunds, and it will not be possible to replace tickets for orders that were not used or were canceled less than 24 hours before the event.

*There will be no entry into the hall during the concert section of the program.

*The organizers reserve the right to change the order of the programs, and in exceptional cases, for technical reasons, may change the film on a certain date.

Changes will be published on the website of the Jerusalem Cinematheque.

*Program memberships and tickets for the first event on sale: 10.11.24

Box Office Hours: Sun. – Thu. 13:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m.

For further information and to buy tickets: On the website or at *9377 

Wilhelm Furtwängler and Arturo Toscanini – A Battle of Giants

On the moral dilemma that sparked a feud between the two great conductors

Rivalry in Music – Furtwängler vs. Toscanini

Dir.: Thomas von Steinaecker
| 52 minutes

The documentary not only opens up the different musical worlds of the two great conductors by re-tracing their careers in Milan, Bayreuth and New York – it also poses a question which today is more relevant than ever: What does art have to do with morality?

Saturday 14.12.24 14.12.24
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2024-12-14 11:00:00 2024-12-14 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem The Limits of Artistic Freedom in Performing the Music of Frédéric Chopin <p>An examination of the meteoric rise of Martha Argerich in the Chopin Competition</p><p>Frédéric Chopin was one of the greatest pianists in history, and his works, almost all written for the piano, are characterized by a delicate balance between adherence to stylistic norms and granting expressive freedom to the performer.</p><p>Lecture Dr. <strong>Ron Regev</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Ron Regev</strong> piano</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> <strong>F. Chopin</strong> mazurka in A minor, Waltz in C sharp minor, Polonaise in C sharp minor, Nocturne in C minor, Fantasy in F minor</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

The Limits of Artistic Freedom in Performing the Music of Frédéric Chopin

An examination of the meteoric rise of Martha Argerich in the Chopin Competition

Magic Moments of Music – Martha Argerich in Warsaw

Dir.: Holger Preusse, Philipp Quiring
| 53 minutes

Martha Argerich’s appearance at the 1965 Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw marks the beginning of an incomparable career. With her flowing hair and impetuous and mysterious demeanor, the 24-year-old Argentinian conquers the hearts of everyone present. For much of the competition, however, her victory is far from certain.

Saturday 28.12.24 28.12.24
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2024-12-28 11:00:00 2024-12-28 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem Still Fiddling: The Remarkable Longevity of Fiddler on the Roof <p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: <strong>Eyal Sherf</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Jonathan Perlman</strong> piano and musical director, <strong>Adel Korshov</strong> and <strong>Eyal Sherf</strong> singers</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> <em>Sunrise, Sunset</em>, <em>If I Were a Rich Man</em>, <em>To Life</em> and other songs from the beloved musical</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

Still Fiddling: The Remarkable Longevity of Fiddler on the Roof

Lecture (in Heb.), concert, and film

Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen

Dir.: Daniel Raim
| 88 minutes

This documentary captures director Norman Jewison’s quest to recreate the lost world of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia and re-envision the beloved stage hit as a wide-screen epic - with behind-the-scenes footage, never-before-seen stills, and original interviews.

Saturday 04.01.25 04.01.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-01-04 11:00:00 2025-01-04 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem From Brundibár to the Emperor of Atlantis <p>On the role of musical drama during the Holocaust</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: Prof. <strong>Michael Wolpe</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Liron Givoni </strong>soprano, <strong>Ilan Kurtser </strong>piano</p><p>In the program: Songs by composers who composed in Theresienstadt Ghetto</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

From Brundibár to the Emperor of Atlantis

On the role of musical drama during the Holocaust

The Kaiser of Atlantis

Dir.: Sebastián Alfie
| 77 minutes

Viktor Ullmann and Peter Kien wrote the opera The Kaiser of Atlantis in 1943 while in the Nazi concentration camp of Theresienstadt. Viktor Ullmann and Peter Kien wrote the opera The Kaiser of Atlantis in 1943 while in the Nazi concentration camp of Theresienstadt.

Saturday 18.01.25 18.01.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-01-18 11:00:00 2025-01-18 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem Call Me Claudio <p>Claudio Abbado as a figure representing the shift in the perception of the conductor's role</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: Prof.<strong> Michael Wolpe</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Veronika Kurmanov</strong> soprano, <strong>Marta Matalon</strong> mezzo-soprano</p><p><strong>Sonia Mazar</strong> piano</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> <strong>G. Verdi</strong> La Forza del Destino - Leonora’s aria: <em>Pace, pace mio Dio!</em>, Il Trovatore - Azucena’s aria: <em>Stride la vampa</em>, Don Carlos - Eboli’s aria: <em>O don fatale, o don crudel!</em>, Aida - Aida and Amneris duet: <em>Fu la sorte dell’armi a tuoi funesta</em></p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

Call Me Claudio

Claudio Abbado as a figure representing the shift in the perception of the conductor's role

Please Call Me Claudio…

Dir.: Beatrix Conrad
| 52 minutes

The documentary (on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Claudio Abbado's death) takes a retrospective look at his life, his performances and recordings, gets close to him as a person; and shows what of Abbado still resonates today.

Saturday 08.02.25 08.02.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-02-08 11:00:00 2025-02-08 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem A City Knit Together <p>East and West, Ancient and Renewed in the Music of Istanbul</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: <strong>Yoram Arnon</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Yoram Arnon </strong>oud, <strong>Julie Besandilove </strong>vocal, <strong>Yossi Bronfman </strong>kanun, <strong>Mark Kirzhner </strong>double bass, <strong>Guy Rotem </strong>percussion</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> old and new songs and melodies, dances, liturgical poems and hymns, tunes collected from cafes, palaces, and various corners of Istanbul's rich and colorful soundscape.</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

A City Knit Together

East and West, Ancient and Renewed in the Music of Istanbul

Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul

Dir.: Fatih Akin
| 90 minutes

The Turkish-German filmmaker Fatih Akin takes us on a musical documentary journey to Istanbul, as he meets musicians from all across the musical and cultural spectrum. Through the musicians and their music, we are exposed to the musical, architectural and human richness of the city.

Saturday 22.02.25 22.02.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-02-22 11:00:00 2025-02-22 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem On Criticism and Judgement in Music <p>The Van Cliburn Competition as a Case Study of Music Competitions</p><p>How do we learn to appreciate a good musical performance? How can we compare different performances of the same piece? In this session, we will discuss exams, auditions, competitions, and musical critiques. We'll talk about the criteria, considerations, and even the politics behind them.</p><p>Lecture Dr. <strong>Ron Regev</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Ron Regev</strong> piano</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> <strong>F. Mendelssohn</strong> <span>״</span>Songs without words<span>״</span> and Piano Fantasy in a few different interpretations</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

On Criticism and Judgement in Music

The Van Cliburn Competition as a Case Study of Music Competitions

The Cliburn: 50 Years of Gold

Dir.: Peter Rosen
| 57 minutes

As seen through the eyes and memories of 15 gold medalists, The Cliburn: 50 Years of Gold follows the half-century long history of one of the world's most prestigious music competitions, set against the backdrop of beautiful music.

Saturday 08.03.25 08.03.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-03-08 11:00:00 2025-03-08 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem A Bird in the Room <p>Tirza Atar as a representative of the female presence throughout the history of Hebrew poetry and songwriting</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: <strong>Prof. Michael Wolpe</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Sharon Vulej</strong> singer, <strong>Dotan Moshonov</strong> piano, singer and musical direction</p><p>In the program<span>:</span> songs to texts by <strong>Tirza Atar</strong></p><p>*In the presence of the director</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

A Bird in the Room

Tirza Atar as a representative of the female presence throughout the history of Hebrew poetry and songwriting

Bird in the Room

Dir.: Ari Davidovich
| 65 minutes

The life story of Israeli poet and songwriter Tirza Atar - a beloved and enigmatic part of Modern Hebrew Culture. Her fragile beauty and her short, turbulent life remain shrouded in mystery many years after her tragic death at the age of thirty-six.

Saturday 22.03.25 22.03.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-03-22 11:00:00 2025-03-22 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem Music Among the Gypsies as a Reflection of Their Lives <p>Their joys and sorrows. And music as a bridge with the other communities among and alongside which they live</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: to be announced</p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Miryam Samuel</strong> Trumpet, <strong>Gergely Barcza</strong> Saxophone, <strong>Eran Horwitz</strong> Bass, <strong>Agi Barcza</strong> Tapan, <strong>Dan Findling</strong> Drums</p><p>In the program: A selection of musical pieces from movies of Kusturica, and more<span>…</span></p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

Music Among the Gypsies as a Reflection of Their Lives

Their joys and sorrows. And music as a bridge with the other communities among and alongside which they live

Black Cat, White Cat

Dir.: Emir Kusturica
| 120 minutes

Kusturica returns to Gypsy culture with a wild, edgy tale about the double dealing of a petty criminal and one of the Danube gangster kings. Kusturica’s directing, the script, the breathtaking photography and the gypsy music combine to add a new dimension to the folkloristic genre. 

Saturday 05.04.25 05.04.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-04-05 11:00:00 2025-04-05 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem A Life of Wandering <p>The life stories of composer Paul Dessau and his contemporaries, whom the sweep of history turned into itinerant artists</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: Prof.<strong> Michael Wolpe</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Ron Regev</strong> piano</p><p>In the program: <strong>Paul Dessau </strong>few Mvts from the sonata in F Major, "Guernica" (after Picasso), and more</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

A Life of Wandering

The life stories of composer Paul Dessau and his contemporaries, whom the sweep of history turned into itinerant artists

Paul Dessau - Let´s Hope for The Best

Dir.: Anne-Kathrin Peitz
| 52 minutes

Violinist, composer and conductor, living through two world wars, caught between east and west, capitalism and communism: The remarkable and glittering life of German artist Paul Dessau is more than a good story – it cries out for the medium of film.

Saturday 26.04.25 26.04.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-04-26 11:00:00 2025-04-26 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem The Sky Is the Limit – The Meteoric Rise of Conductor Klaus Mäkelä <p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: <strong>Doron Salomon</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Talia Erdal</strong> cello and voice, <strong>Malachi Rozenbaum</strong> piano</p><p>In the program: <strong>R. Schumann</strong> Adagio and allegro op. 70 for cello and piano, <strong>Talia Erdal</strong> original songs</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

The Sky Is the Limit – The Meteoric Rise of Conductor Klaus Mäkelä

Lecture (in Heb.), concert, and film

Klaus Mäkelä – Towards the Flame

Dir.: Bruno Monsaingeon
| 52 minutes

Archival clips portray a teenage boy with a conductor’s baton in hand; it may seem like he’s playing, but Klaus Mäkelä was conducting even then. This film – which feels like attending an inspiring concert – is a journey into the life of a musical genius.

Saturday 10.05.25 10.05.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-05-10 11:00:00 2025-05-10 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem Between Paris and Hollywood: Michel Legrand, a Versatile Musician <p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: <strong>Matan Serry</strong></p><p>Concert performed by<span>:</span> <strong>Matan Serry</strong> musical direction and piano, <strong>Maayan Blevis</strong> and</p><p><strong>Anaelle Sirat</strong> singers</p><p>In the program: songs from <em>Yentl</em>, <em>Les parapluies de Cherbourg</em>, <em>Les demoiselles de Rochefort</em>, and more….</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

Between Paris and Hollywood: Michel Legrand, a Versatile Musician

Lecture (in Heb.), concert, and film

Once Upon a Time Michel Legrand

Dir.: David Hertzog Dessites
| 120 minutes

A captivating portrait of the famous jazz musician and film composer, Michel Legrand. Using never-before-seen archives and personal accounts, the film looks back on a lifetime dedicated to music, and the career of a man who served it masterfully to the very end.

Saturday 24.05.25 24.05.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-05-24 11:00:00 2025-05-24 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem From Screen to Stage: Carmen, Flamenco and Ballet <p>A journey in movement from opera, through cinema, to various genres of dance</p><p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: Dr. <strong>Sharon Turel</strong></p><p>Concert performed by<span>:</span> <strong>Eyal Kless</strong> violin, <strong>Ron Regev</strong> piano</p><p>In the program: <strong>Jenő Hubay</strong> Carmen Fantaisie Brillante Op. 3</p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

From Screen to Stage: Carmen, Flamenco and Ballet

A journey in movement from opera, through cinema, to various genres of dance

Carmen

Dir.: Carlos Saura
| 102 minutes

This is a fascinating, lively, colorful film that even opera-haters will like. Its rhythm is flamenco rhythm: Antonio Gades plays a choreographer who stages an updated version of “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. A volatile romance develops between him and the lead dancer.

Saturday 14.06.25 14.06.25
11:00
11:00
Cinematheque 1
Cinematheque 1
2025-06-14 11:00:00 2025-06-14 14:00:00 Asia/Jerusalem Josephine Baker – The Daring Queen of Cabaret <p>Lecture (in Heb.) by: Dr. <strong>Roee Ben Sira</strong></p><p>Concert performed by: <strong>Julia Feldman Katz</strong> singer, <strong>Roee ben Sira</strong> piano, <strong>Michael Edwards</strong> contrabass, <strong>Yaaki Levy</strong> drums</p><p>In the program: from the repertoire of <strong>Joséphine Baker</strong></p> Cinematheque Jerusalem Cinematheque

Josephine Baker – The Daring Queen of Cabaret

Lecture (in Heb.), concert, and film

Joséphine Baker en couleur

Dir.: Philippe Pouchain, Yves Riou
| 54 minutes

The first major black star in history, Josephine Baker lived a life as hectic as her music hall performances. A singer and dancer, her unique style mixing humor and sensuality would soon fascinate white audiences. This excellent documentary is based on historical film footage and dynamic commentary.