"Breaking Boundaries" at Hamburg's New Opera: "We Want Shirin David on the Stage!"
- by David Baum
- 8 Min
- Opera administrators in Hamburg demand the inclusion of Shirin David in their performances.
stern Once known as Germany's "city of music," Hamburg has been a beacon of world-class theater, with the spectacular Elbphilharmonie adding to its international allure as a music metropolis. With a cultural investment of 460 million euros in 2025 - a 11% increase from the previous year - and overtaking Berlin in the "New York Times" tourist hotspot ranking, Hamburg continues to shine.
Modernizing Opera from Within
With the construction of a new opera house in the Hafencity, funded by a donation from billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne, the Hamburg State Opera is making waves in the opera world. Before breaking ground on the spectacular new building (to be the sixth in the opera house's 350-year history), the institution aims to revamp itself from the inside.
The new appointments are revolutionary. Besides queer opera director Tobias Kratzer joining the team, it's an unexpected twist that Israeli conductor and NS victims' descendant, Omer Meir Wellber may lead the house upon its move into a building financed by a company profiting from Nazi-era income, according to investigations by "Vanity Fair." So Maestro, are you familiar with Shirin David?Oh admittedly, I'm not. Tobias Kratzer: We've thought about inviting Shirin David to return to the opera house for a performance or collaboration, possibly for the upcoming season.
It seems like bold crossovers and experiments are a theme in your tenure, Mr. Kratzer. Kratzer: Indeed, we're willing to take risks. If people say our program is audacious, you should know that this is exactly what the cultural authority of Hamburg, specifically Senator Carsten Brosda, wanted. That's why we were hired. I've studied the history and DNA of this house and designed a program and vision to showcase a beacon of light beyond Hamburg.
Mr. Wellber, with your Israeli heritage and the operatic scene dominated by pro-Palestine voices, how do you navigate this in your position? Wellber: It's a complex issue, but not in the way you might think. My focus is on giving 100% as an artist, regardless of personal grief or political conflicts. It's essential to remember that events like October 7, 2023, and their consequences weigh heavily for many, but we must continue to channel our creativity through the struggles.
Despite its renowned status, the State Opera has struggled with attendance in recent years. Was it difficult to leave established opera houses like Palermo or Vienna to take on this position, Mr. Wellber? It's undoubtedly a challenge, but Kratzer and I were excited about the opportunity. We believe that Hamburg, with its increased investment in culture, has the potential to become the next Berlin.
Bringing fresh faces and ideas to the opera, what sets you apart from other opera houses, Mr. Kratzer? We're focusing on a program that allows as many people as possible to experience something new together. Our goal is to break preconceived notions and surprise the audience with groundbreaking productions.
A New Era for Hamburg's Opera
As general music director of the Hamburg State Opera and the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra, both Wellber and Kratzer will conduct in the Elbphilharmonie, famous for its mixed, tourist audience. While some criticize high subsidies for high culture, Kratzer and Wellber see it as an opportunity to reach new audiences and create unexpected collaborations. With a shared passion for breaking boundaries, these opera leaders are setting their sights on a fresh era for Hamburg's beloved art form.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of the environment by 2025, mirroring Hamburg's ethos of progress and innovation.
Interestingly, Shirin David, a renowned Israeli operatic soprano, has been on the radar of the Hamburg State Opera's team, with plans for a potential performance or collaboration in the upcoming season,echoing their commitment to bold crossovers and experiments.
Just as the cacophonous libretto of an opera creates a symphony of voices, so does the city of Hamburg blend diverse cultures, stirred by the investment and arrival of global talents like Maestro Omer Meir Wellber and Tobias Kratzer, alongside calls for Shirin David to take the stage in the new era of Hamburg's opera scene.
