Tourism portal of the Capital Schwerin

Schwerin's Open Air Opera Festival

presented by the State Theatre of Mecklenburg

More than 10 years ago the OPEN AIR OPERA CASTLE FESTIVAL (Schlossfestspiele) Schwerin celebrated its grand premiere with Verdi’s „Aida“, one of the most spectacular performances in the history of this event. Ever since, visitors have been enchanted by this festival on the Alter Garten Square, featuring highlights like „Nabucco“, „La Traviata“ and „Rigoletto“. As the grand finale of the summer theatre season 2010, the Schwerin State Theatre presents Giuseppe Verdis opera: THE FORCE OF DESTINY - La forza del destino (German: DIE MACHT DES SCHICKSALS).
Against the magical backdrop of the Palace, the singers’ voices will rise to the stars and be transported into the night sky. No person in the audience can fail to partake in the emotional triumph staged in this beautiful city.

Opera beneath the stars, situated on one of Germany’s most beautiful squares, has long become the trademark of SCHWERIN’S OPEN AIR OPERA FESTIVAL. It started off as an insider’s tip among opera lovers more than 15 years ago and has now evolved into a festival that is internationally renowned. At the centre of a triangle of cities including Berlin, Hamburg and Rostock, which are no more than a two hours’ drive away, both guests and residents are captivated by SCHWERIN'S CASTLE FESTIVAL.


Summer 2011: “Der Freischütz“ by Carl Maria von Weber

Since 1993 the SCHLOSSFESTSPIELE SCHWERIN have enthused the audience with international soloists, huge choruses, the traditional Mecklenburg State Orchestra and their high-class performances set in stunning scenery. Their public success and international reputation are the reward for the concept of the Mecklenburg State Theatre: the current ranking of the SCHLOSSFESTSPIELE SCHWERIN takes it to the fourth position in Europe’s largest festival magazine.

The open-air performance will be further enhanced in 2011 for the audience’s enjoyment. Due to the restoration of the historic square “Alter Garten”- where the performances take place since 1999 - “Der Freischütz” will be put on stage for the first time in a different environment. Situated in the baroque gardens of the Schwerin Castle, the open-air stage “Die Freilichtbühne” will offer an idyllic view over the garden’s channel “Der Kreuzkanal” to the impressive castle.

Also internationally - “Der Freischütz” is one of the most popular German operas since its premiere in Berlin in 1821. Popular arias like “Durch die Wälder, durch die Auen …” (through the forests and through the meadows) and “Leise, leise, fromme Weise …” (low, low, sacred words …) as well as the hunters´ chorus or the singing of the bridesmaids delight the public.

Deep in a marvelous forest a cryptic association of hunters practices peculiar traditions. The focus of the plot is on Max, a young hunter. Before getting married to his beloved Agathe he has to pass a test of skills in marksmanship. On the morning of the wedding he has to prove he is worth his future position as Agathe’s husband and as heir forester. The county’s dukes and his hunting mates attend the test, too. Several weeks before he has to demonstrate his shooting skills, he misses each target and his reputation becomes one of a fool. The circumstances seem to be quite dubious: it is not sure if someone has bewitched his rifle or if his fears lead to the lacking of his ability to hit the target. Falling into a heavy crisis, he falls under the influence of his vicious hunting mate Kaspar. At midnight Max goes to the disreputable wolf’s glen to strike a deal with the forces of evil, which might be dangerous not only for him, but also Agathe.

Johann Friedrich Kind based his libretto on the correspondent horror tale “Der Freischütz” as a guide from an Anthology by Apel and Laun from 1810 – 1812. The opera apparently turns into a conciliatory C-major finale whereas the protagonists of the original story end in a downfall. But the music also suggests that the praise-filled, happy ending is a forced one.

Exciting entertainment in unique green surroundings is a guarantee to enjoy opera at its fullest.



"Der Freischütz" | Romantic opera in 3 acts | Carl Maria von Weber | Libretto by Johann Friedrich Kind

Premiere: June 17 2011 at the Open Air Theatre in the Palace Garden in Schwerin
Further dates: June 18 to July 24 from Thursday to Sunday at 9pm

Music Director: GMD Matthias Foremny | Mise-en-Scène: Frank Bernd Gottschalk | Stage Management: Lutz Kreisel | Costumes: Bettina Lauer | Choir Director: Ulrich Barthel

Pre-Sale starts in October 2010

 

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