A Fresh Spin on Hamburg's New Opera Leadership: "We'd Love to See Shirin David at the Opera!"
- by David Baum
- 9 Min
- Call for Shirin David in Hamburg Opera House's Management
Hamburg, a bustling city renowned for its theatrical prowess, musical prowess, and iconic Elbphilharmonie, is burning bright on the international stage. While other states tighten their cultural purse strings, Hamburg is pouring an additional 11% into culture this year, amounting to a whopping 460 million euros. With its recent surge in tourist popularity, Hamburg has surpassed Berlin in the ranking of hotspots by the "New York Times."
Hamburg State Opera: Pioneering Personnel
Rumors of a spectacular new opera house in the Hafencity have been abuzz in the opera world. Before the building's construction—slated to be the sixth in the 350-year history of the Hamburg State Opera—the institution is undergoing internal renewal.
The new ruling team is bold. Not just because Tobias Kratzer, a daring opera director, is joining the crew. History seems to play an ironic joke with Omer Meir Wellber, an Israeli conductor hailing from the Bedouin city of Be'er Sheva on the Negev desert's edge, as he stands poised to lead the house in its new abode, financed by a company closely tied to the era of National Socialism. According to research by "Vanity Fair," logistics company Kühne + Nagel accumulated wealth during the time of Nazi rule by transporting stolen goods from murdered Jews across Europe [1].
Come to think of it, sir, does the name Shirin David ring a bell?Omer Meir Wellber: I must confess, no. Who is she?Tobias Kratzer: Imagine my surprise! A German rapper routinely atop the charts – that's who. I think I know why you're asking. Shirin David once studied ballet at the Hamburg State Opera's school and acted in various productions as a child.
Ah, you've done your homework!Kratzer: We even reached out to Shirin David, asking if she'd join us for a production or collaboration. Cross your fingers—it might happen in the next season.
With that, our spirit as your intendance is clear: we embrace a good amount of fusion, experiments, and audacious projects. Herr Wellber even believes that Hamburg could become the new Berlin. MindExpanding that statement?Wellber: Culture serves as the core identity of Berlin, and people flock to this city for that very reason. Unfortunately, the capital is planning drastic cuts to its culture budget. Hamburg is taking the opposite approach, investing more resources in cultural pursuits.
Hamburg State Opera: The Next Chapter
The Hamburg State Opera has long been a beacon of international recognition, but recent years have seen a dip in attendance with more seats remaining empty. As the newly appointed General Music Director, joining forces with Tobias Kratzer, Omer Meir Wellber is eager to inject fresh energy and captivating, provocative productions into the institution.
The Interview
Herr Wellber, given your Israeli heritage and the controversy surrounding your new position, how do you reconcile this opportunity with your family's history?Wellber: The legacy of this wealth cannot be erased. It's better utilized in the creation of an opera instead of remaining in a Swiss foundation. I find the debate about the moral implications less fruitful, particularly considering my family history. My parents speak Yiddish and vehemently rejected German. It wasn't easy for them to accept my interest in Germany.
Have you personally met Klaus-Michael Kuehne, Mr. Kratzer?Kratzer: Indeed, I have. A charming and enthusiastic gentleman who shares a passion for opera.
As an Israeli citizen, how do you grapple with the onslaught of pro-Palestine voices within the cultural scene, Herr Wellber?Wellber: it is indeed troubling, but not in the way you may think. The recent events of October 7, 2023, and their repercussions cast a long, distressing shadow over my life. Nonetheless, as an artist, I must give my all. How could I find solace in my craft when my heart is constantly consumed by grief?
The Hamburg State Opera has had a reputation for sleeping through its last few seasons, with many theatre-goers preferring to stay home. Has it been difficult to leave established opera houses, such as Palermo and Vienna, behind as a conductor?Wellber: Transitioning into a new leadership role is always challenging. Kratzer: I had a conversation with the opera's board about the future General Music Director. There was a clear top choice that mirrored my own. So, we reached out to Omer Meir Wellber, and shortly before Christmas 2022, I traveled to Palermo. It was like a whirlwind romance. We talked about dreams, ambitions, and visions late into the night. It felt like perfect harmony from the start.
As the General Music Director of the Hamburg State Opera and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, you'll also conduct at the Elbphilharmonie, a venue infamous for its mixed, touristy audience...Wellber: I've conducted often at the Elbphilharmonie. People frequently applaud in unexpected places. I find these spontaneous bursts of enthusiasm refreshing—a genuine emotional response from the audience.
Daring, Controversial, Audacious
The new leadership team at the Hamburg State Opera aims to challenge traditional notions of opera and catapult the institution into the 21st century with visionary, thought-provoking productions. From contemporary music to cutting-edge technology, the Hamburg State Opera will push boundaries and foster a captivating experience for spectators hailing from all corners of the globe.
Enrichment Data:
- Shirin David is a renowned German rapper, singer, and web video producer, born on April 11, 1995, in Hamburg. Her real name is Barbara Schirin Davidavicius, and she is the daughter of a Lithuanian mother and an Iranian father. Shirin began her musical journey early in life, playing the piano, violin, and oboe. Additionally, her roots with the Hamburg State Opera date back to her early childhood, when she attended its ballet school and acted in several productions as a child actress [2]
[1] "The Nazi Tainted Billions of the Kühne Family." Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2019/03/kuehne-nazi-loot-zncz
[2] "At the Top of the Charts: Shirin David Talks About Her Rap Career and Solidarity with Kurdistan." FashionMAG. https://www.fashionmag.de/2021/10/shirin-david-coverstatement-interview
- I'm not going to be able to do this, but I'd like to see Shirin David perform at the Elbphilharmonie alongside Omer Meir Wellber and Tobias Kratzer's innovative opera productions.
- While the Hamburg State Opera is famed internationally, it's been struggling with low attendance recently. But that's set to change with Wellber's bold plans to revitalize the institution and push it towards the future.
- The Hamburg State Opera, under Wellber's leadership, aims to become a new Berlin—culturally rich and diverse, embracing unconventional ideas and bold experiments. True renewal awaits us in this city by the Elbe river.
