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Bregenz Summer Festival 2022: A Spectacular Lineup of Operas and More
The Bregenz Summer Festival, a celebrated cultural event in Austria, is back with an exciting lineup for 2022. This year, the festival, under the leadership of Lilly Paasikivi, a Finnish mezzo-soprano and cultural manager, promises to deliver a series of captivating performances.
One of the highlights of the festival is the production of "Der Freischütz", a German opera by Carl Maria von Weber, directed by Philipp Stölzl. While specific details about the 2022 production are not available, Stölzl's direction in previous productions has emphasized dramatic storytelling and visual spectacle. The Seebühne setting in Bregenz, known for its large-scale productions, typically incorporates elaborate sets and lighting designs to create an immersive experience for the audience. Lighting designer Bruno Poet, known for his work in opera, might have been involved, enhancing the visual impact with his expertise.
"Der Freischütz" is a timeless tale of love, guilt, and forgiveness. The story revolves around Max, a young hunter who, anxious to prove his worth to his fiancée, Agathe, makes a pact with the devilish figure, Samiel, to produce magic bullets that will guarantee his hunting success. However, the deal comes with a price, as one of the bullets is destined to bring misfortune.
The opera will feature two main male singers, a change from previous years. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will accompany the performance, with Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste at the helm. The orchestra composition for "Der Freischütz" has been altered, featuring a harpsichord, double bass, accordion, and fewer musicians.
Another noteworthy production is "Il Trovatore", directed by Damiano Michieletto. The conductors for the opera will be Kirill Karabits and Pietro Rizzo. This opera, set to music by Kaija Saariaho, a distinguished composer who passed away two years ago, is a poignant addition to the festival.
The festival also boasts a unique combination of contemporary dance and songs of English Quakers from the 18th century, known as Shakers. Tero Saarinen's dance troupe is performing at the festival, presenting the spectacle "Borrowed Light" and the premiere of "Learning All Life".
In addition to these operas, the festival program includes performances by the Vienna orchestra, conducted by Saraste, featuring works by Sibelius and Sebastian Fagerlund. Tickets for "Der Freischütz" are almost sold out, and other festival shows, such as "Oedipus" and "Bum Chak, or The Last Executioner", are also selling rapidly.
The stage for "Der Freischütz" is now closer to the audience, with a pool of water on it, but no water separates it from the audience as before. The singers in the production spend a significant amount of time in the water, which is not heated. The Prague Philharmonic Choir remains dry during the performance, both on stage and in the orchestra pit. The sound transmission system from the theater to the lake has been tested and proven for the singers' performances.
The Bregenz Summer Festival, with its blend of opera, contemporary dance, and unique productions, promises to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience this summer. For those interested, it's advisable to secure tickets as soon as possible, as shows are selling out quickly.
[1] Bregenz Festival 2025: Der Freischütz [2] Review: Der Freischütz at Bregenz Festival [3] Der Freischütz: A Super-Romantic Horror Opera [4] Bregenz Festival 2022 Programme [5] Bruno Poet: Lighting Designer
- At the Bregenz Summer Festival 2022, attendees can look forward to being immersed in the captivating storytelling and visual spectacle of the German opera "Der Freischütz," accompanied by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
- For music enthusiasts, the Bregenz Summer Festival 2022 presents a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of contemporary dance and English Quaker songs, performed by Tero Saarinen's dance troupe.
