The Local Germany

Renowned German opera director Harry Kupfer dead at 84

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 10:05:07 +0100

One of the world's most celebrated opera directors, Germany's Harry Kupfer, has died at the age of 84 in Berlin, his agency confirmed on Tuesday.

'A day without music is a wasted day': German opera star Peter Schreier dies at 84

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 03:45:53 +0100

German singer and conductor Peter Schreier, widely regarded as one of the leading lyric tenors of the 20th century, died on Thursday at the age of 84 after a long illness, his secretary said.

From house arrest, Russian director stages Germany opera

Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:32:55 +0100

He's under house arrest in Moscow without a phone or the internet, yet Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov's new opera is set to premiere in Germany on Sunday.

Opening opera at famed Wagner festival holds mirror up against composer’s anti-Semitism

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:04:14 +0200

An edgy new opera production by Australian Jewish director Barrie Kosky tackling Wagner's anti-Semitism head-on won rapturous applause at Germany's renowned Bayreuth opera festival and rave reviews Wednesday.

High stakes for Wagner's progeny at opera fest

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 17:45:10 +0200

Beloved by Adolf Hitler and Angela Merkel alike, the Bayreuth Festival honouring Richard Wagner kicks off on Saturday. But critics say the composer's progeny have dragged the festival too far from its origins.

Leading opera singer turns to comedy

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 16:43:00 +0200

Thomas Quasthoff left behind a sparkling career as a concert bass-baritone last year to pursue new projects. Now he stars in a comedy show in Berlin's West End. One of the country's most acclaimed performers, he is our German of the Week.

Bayreuth's 'Ring' director pokes fun at audience

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 10:25:00 +0200

Frank Castorf, the controversial German theatre director who staged Richard Wagner's "Twilight of the Gods" at this year's Bayreuth Festival, poked fun at audience for booing the premiere on Wednesday.

Wagner 'lite' operas storm Bayreuth festival

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:28:00 +0200

Mini versions of Richard Wagner's best-known works are on offer in Bayreuth this year for those who baulk at the prospect of sitting through operas lasting five hours and more.

'I hate Wagner but I hate him on my knees'

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:12:00 +0200

Germany is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Richard Wagner on Wednesday. Probably the country's most revered and reviled composer, the man considered both a musical genius and an anti-Semite is The Local's German of the Week.

Opera house kills Nazi themed Wagner show

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:42:00 +0200

A Nazi-themed production of Richard Wagner's "Tannhäuser" opera has been cancelled in Düsseldorf after realistic death scenes distressed audience members, the opera house said Thursday.

'The artistic atmosphere is different in Germany'

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:13:00 +0100

In the latest instalment of My German Career, The Local spoke with US opera singer Edward Mout, who performs with the Staatsoper Hannover.

Munich opera defends Nazi tattoo singer

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:33:00 +0200

The Munich opera hit out on Monday at the organisers of the Bayreuth Festival over their handling of a row about a Russian singer with a Nazi tattoo who had been scheduled to perform.

Opera star pulls out in swastika tattoo scandal

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:01:00 +0200

A Russian metal drummer turned star opera singer has pulled out of this year's legendary Bayreuth Festival just three days before the opening premiere - after a scandal broke over a Nazi symbol tattooed on his chest.

Harmony restarts work on Hamburg opera house

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:15:00 +0200

German city Hamburg ended a row Thursday with the firm building a concert hall intended to rival the Sydney Opera House, already years behind schedule and millions over budget.

Tunick tells Munich: 'Get your kit off!'

Tue, 08 May 2012 17:14:00 +0200

US artist Spencer Tunick, famed for his mass nude photoshoots, is calling for Bavarians to take their clothes off for him – happily over what should be a warm weekend in June.

Run Lola Run to become opera - Sing Lola Sing?

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:43:00 +0100

One of Germany’s best-known film exports, Run Lola Run, starring Franka Potente and Moritz Bleibtreu, is being taken to the stage – as an opera.

Siemens pulls out of Bayreuth sponsorship

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:01:00 +0200

German engineering giant Siemens said Wednesday it was ending its partnership with the Bayreuth Festival of which it was one of the main sponsors.

Barenboim stays on as Berlin State Opera music director

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:33:00 +0200

Daniel Barenboim, the Argentine-Israeli pianist and conductor, is to extend his contract as general music director of the Berlin's renowned State Opera, city officials said Thursday.

Berlin swimming pool hosts underwater opera

Wed, 04 May 2011 12:25:00 +0200

A specially composed opera with a difference premiered in a Berlin swimming pool this week, with singers performing in and out and even under the water.

Star Munich opera director Nagano resigns amid controversy

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:01:00 +0200

Star Music Director for the Bavarian State Opera Kent Nagano will not extend his contract as a result of internal strife, the American conductor said on Tuesday.