With a long-standing reluctance, renowned Aussie director Barrie Kosky dives into staging Johann Strauss's "Die Fledermaus" at Munich's grand Theater. On saint's eve, operatic darling Diana Damrau debuts as "Rosalinde" under Kosky's vision. The musical maestro, Vladimir Jurowski, orchestrates the proceedings as the Bavarian State Opera's in-house conductor, marking their sixth collaboration.
Initial hesitance swallowed him whole as Kosky grappled with the operetta's demanding music. This endeavor rekindled past insecurities, but he persevered. While some may view "Die Fledermaus" as a masterpiece, Kosky saw it as a formidable challenge, a test he wasn't sure he could conquer.
Beyond December 24th, "Die Fledermaus" tripods atop German New Year's Eve's iconic platform, standing alongside the iconic statue of the furry winged creature. Kosky's vision elevates this classic operetta, blending sensational sounds with a sneak peek of its morbid underbelly.
In Vienna, the golden age of operetta, the De Nationale Opera Amsterdam joins forces with the Bavarian State Opera, providing a compelling cooperative effort for Kosky's vision. Julia Kleiter grapples with the role of "Rosalinde," taking on a demanding challenge alongside Katharina Konradi as Adele, Georg Nigl as Gabriel von Eisenstein, Andrew Watts as Prince Orlofsky, and Martin Winkler as Frank.
This year's holy night mirrors a long-awaited triumph for Barrie Kosky - a testament to the richly layered and unyielding spirit of opera and theater.
