The Oper
Leipzig is the family name for three different divisions: the Oper, the
Leipziger Ballet, and the Musikalische Komodie. The Oper and Ballet are based
at the Opera House, and the Musikalische Komodie resides at the Haus
Dreilinden, located in the city district of Lindenau. Since the 2011/12 season,
renowned conductor Prof. Ulf Schirmer has served as both Intendant and General
Musical Director. The Oper Leipzig is the THIRD OLDEST MUNICIPAL MUSIC THEATER IN EUROPE, with more than 320 CONTINUOUS YEARS OF TRADITION. The GEWANDHAUS ORCHESTRA, one of the world’s top five orchestras, has been the
Oper Leipzig’s pit orchestra since 1840. The CHORUS OF THE OPER LEIPZIG celebrates its 200th anniversary in
2017. The season is fully stocked with opera, light opera, operetta, musical,
and classic and modern ballet. Numerous offerings and specialized productions for
children, young adults, and families round out the program.
Leipzig Opera House (photo by Kirsten Nijhof)
DIRECTOR AND ACTOR KATHARINA THALBACH makes her directorial debut at the Oper Leipzig with Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor (Premiere on 26 November 2016). Thalbach has directed comedic operas at the likes of the Deutsche Oper Berlin and at the Zurich Opera House. For the Oper Leipzig, Thalbach directs this bel canto classic, which tells the story of two lovers who find unity only in death.
A special treat for Francophones and historical fiction fans alike is to be found in CHARLES GOUNOD’S CINQ-MARS. The plot of this action-packed historical thriller is based on the true story of the Marquis de Cinq-Mars, who was hanged for conspiracy. Anthony Pilavachi directs this rarely-performed operatic gem, which premieres on 20 May 2017.
RICHARD STRAUSS’ SALOME (Premiere 17 June 2017) is perhaps the most infamous of the decadent fin desiècle operas. Ulf Schirmer, a renowned Strauss conductor and regular guest at the Vienna State Oper and the Richard Strauss Festival Garmisch-Partenkirchen, will be at the musical helm of this masterpiece. After their wild success in June of 2014 with Strauss’ Frau ohne Schatten, stage director Balázs Kovalik and set designer Heike Scheele return for GIACOMO PUCCINI’S TURANDOT. This new production premieres on 22 October 2016. CARL MARIA VON WEBER’S DER FREISCHÜTZ premieres on 4 March 2017. The world premiere of this opera in 1821 heralded the beginning of German Romantic opera.
The 2016/17 season promises to be an exciting one. Wagner and Strauss operas
form the cornerstones of the season, with Intendant and General Music Director
Ulf Schirmer conducting the Gewandhaus Orchestra. The 16-18 June 2017 STRAUSS
WEEKEND will feature three masterpieces: Arabella, Salome, and Die Frau
ohne Schatten. A star-studded COMPLETE RING CYCLE from 28 June to 2 July
2017 will close out the season. Mozart fans can look forward to their own MOZART
WEEKEND on 10, 11 and 12 February 2017, featuring performances of
Entführung aus dem Serail, Le nozze di Figaro, and Die Zauberflöte.
