Menahem Kahana / AFP - Getty Images

Actresses walk towards a special stage set up against the backdrop of the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada, in southern Israel, for a full dress rehearsal of George Bizet's opera "Carmen" on June 6. Israeli maestro Daniel Oron will conduct the Israeli opera orchestra and chorus with lead roles being sung by international opera singers.

Menahem Kahana / AFP - Getty Images

Actresses put on makeup before the start of a full dress rehearsal of George Bizet's opera "Carmen" to be performed on a special stage set up against the backdrop of the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada, southern Israel, on June 6, 2012.

This is the third major opera to be staged at the site of the Judean fortress, but possibly the first to feature Flamenco dancers from Spain, donkeys, horses and sheep.

Masada is a UNESCO world heritage site and natural fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. Constructed by Herod the Great, a was the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army in 73 A.D. The Roman siege works surrounding the plateau are the most complete in the world.

More about the festival on their website (warning: music starts when page loads) 

Oded Balilty / AP

Opera singers walk to the stage for a rehearsal of Verdi's opera, Aida, which is being performed at the foot of the historic mountain of Masada, Israel, on May 31.

Oded Balilty / AP

Performers prepare for a rehearsal of Verdi's opera, Aida, near Masada on May 31.

Darren Whiteside / Reuters

A member of Israel's opera performs during a dress rehearsal of Verdi's Aida near Masada on May 31.

Verdi's Aida will be performed at the foot of the ancient mountain fortress of Masada, in the Judean desert close to the Dead Sea.

UNESCO inscribed Masada as a World Heritage Site in 2001, describing it thus:

Masada is a rugged natural fortress, of majestic beauty, in the Judaean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. It is a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army, in 73 A.D. It was built as a palace complex, in the classic style of the early Roman Empire, by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, (reigned 37 – 4 B.C.). The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege works surviving to the present day.