The story of the mysterious knight and his beloved Elas, set in a classroom, has been honoured with the leading German theatrical award, Bayerische Theaterpreis.
"Lohengrin is a story about the attempt to bring reality on wave-length with utopia. Naturally, it's a doomed undertaking. Elsa yearns for that which is 'elevated' and sacred but which has vanished from her world. Lohengrin, in contrast, longs for a worldly existence and the warmth of human interaction. The semblance of their musical parts underscores the fact that they belong together despite their failed attempt to connect. The fulfilment of their dreams is, by definition, also the end of their dreams. And this is precisely the subtext of the opera: the doomed quest for unity between the heavenly and the worldly."Â
Peter Konwitschny
Alternating in the title role are two of the Royal Danish Opera's celebrated heroic tenors: Stig Andersen and Johnny vanHal. Last season, Stig Andersen performed as both Siegfried and Siegmund in Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Johnny van Hal has appeared as Cavaradossi in this season's staging of Puccini's Tosca.
Inga Nielsen and Ann Petersen will alternate in the role as Elsa. Inga Nielsen performed Konwitschny's Elsa at the premiere of the production in Hamburg whereas Ann Petersen will sing the part for the very first time. (Please note! Due to surgery Inga Nielsen has cancelled her appearance at the premiere and on 21 January but will perform as scheduled on 1 | 4 | 7 | 13 and 16 February).
Also appearing are Kjeld Christoffersen (Friedrich von Telramund), Susanne Resmark (Ortrud), Sten Byriel (König Heinrich) and Per Høyer (a herald).
Alternating on the conductor's podium, leading the Chorus of the Royal Danish Opera and the Royal Danish Orchestra, are Friedmann Layer, Axel Kober and Michael Schønwandt.
Helmut Brade has designed the sets and co-designed the costumes with Inga von Bredow. Manfred Voss has created the lighting design. -- www.kglteater.dk
Posted January 9th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
