Mozart's Opera: Don Giovanni by Oper der Stadt Köln

Presenter: Oper der Stadt Köln
Playwright: Dr. Birgit Meyer
Director: Uwe Eric Laufenberg
Conductor: Markus Stenz
Stage Design: Gisbert Jäkel
Costume Design: Antje Sternberg
Venue: National Centre for the Performing Arts - Opera House
Dates: Sept. 29-Oct. 01, 2010　  19:30
Price:  VIP　  800　  600　  400　  200　  100 RMB
 
Programme Introduction
 
The music is memorable, dramatic and enjoyable: from the seductive solo voices of the famous Là ci darem la mano to the fabulous ensemble as Don Giovanni's infatuated conquests, vengeful victims and their outraged relatives join forces for justice.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 ROY PROCTOR, March 2010
The invitation of the Cologne production of Don Giovanni to Beijing signifies a very special occasion in several ways. The hero of Mozart's opera represents the breaking of any kind of border - especially erotic and social borders. His motto: "Viva la libertà!" is for the people around him who live in established social order an almost unacceptable challenge. Don Giovanni pays for his libertine way of life by going down to hell.

The new production of Mozart's opera was premiered as the last premiere of the season on the 27th of June in the opera house in Cologne. Stage director is Uwe Eric Laufenberg, Gisbert Jäkel is the stage designer and Antje Sternberg designed the costumes. A sublime musical standard can be expected from the General Music Director of the City of Cologne, Markus Stenz, and his Gürzenich Orchestra as well as from the singers: Christopher Maltman (Don Giovanni), Simone Kermes (Donna Anna), Maria Bengtsson (Donna Elvira), Jutta Böhnert (Zerlina) and Mirko Roschkowski (Don Ottavio).

It is a special honour for the Opera of Cologne to be invited to perform in this prominent venue, National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Uwe Eric Laufenberg on Mozart's Don Giovanni: "Mozart's musical genius centers Don Giovanni between his final destiny and his excessive celebration of the senses. Don Giovanni is a modern figure for all times."

Synopsis
Don Giovanni wants to seduce Donna Anna. He has already cast his spell on countless women in the past, and his servant Leporello was always a helpful accomplice. The difficulties for Don Giovanni – that ultimately end in his condemnation to hell - begin when he kills Donna Anna's father, the Commander, during an unexpected duel.

He shows no remorse for the murder, or for any of his other deeds. Don Giovanni scoffs at his deserted former lover Donna Elvira, shamelessly takes advantage of his servant Leporello, and during the wedding of farmer's daughter Zerlina, he attempts to sway the bride to his amorous advances.  Don Giovanni places himself above all principles, moral and religious alike but his deeds would not go unpunished.

Director: Uwe Eric Laufenberg
Born in Cologne, Uwe Eric Laufenberg studied acting at the Folkwang Hochschule in Essen. From 1985 until 1990 he was an actor at the Frankfurt Theater, where he debuted as a director in 1988.  Amongst his impressive resume of his career, Laufenberg was involved in various world acclaimed theatres such as Deutsche Theater Berlin, Residenztheater Munich, Burgtheater Vienna, the Vienna Volksoper, the Hamburg Staatsoper, the Dresden Semperoper and many more. His production of Der Rosenkavalier was recorded in 2007 at a guest performance in Tokyo. From 2004 to 2009 he was artistic director of the Potsdam Hans Otto Theater. He has been Artistic Director of the Cologne Opera since the beginning of the 2009 / 2010 season.

Cast
Christopher Maltman - Don Giovanni
Nikolai Didenko - Lepovello
Dennis Wilgenhof - II Commendatove
Simone Kermes - Donna Anna
Mirko Roschkowski - Don Ottavio
Maria Bengtsson - Donna Elvira

Oper der Stadt Köln
It is not only because the Oper der Stadt Köln is situated near the Rhine River for it to be the most suitable venue for the production of Der Ring des Nibelungen, in which this river plays a major role. Oper der Stadt Köln itself also enjoys an outstanding reputation for its performances of a high artistic standard.

Its previous home destroyed in the Second World War. In 1957 Oper der Stadt Köln found new quarters in a structure created by architect Wilhelm Riphahn. The edifice is a splendid example of the architecture of the 1950s.

In the three coming years, the Opera House will undergo extensive renovations.  During this time, audiences in Cologne will still be able to continue to enjoy operatic works.  Also in this transitional period, Oper der Stadt Köln will stage its performances at alternative venues within the Cologne city limits. Guest performances in other countries and cities are planned as well.

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information, however the hours, prices, and program details may vary due to last minute changes.