© In höchsten Tönen! Opera in the Crypt: Orpheus and Eurydice
Vienna, Peterskirche — Krypta
About the Event
The Ensemble Concordia Mundi presents Gluck's reform opera “Orpheus and Eurydice” in German in the rarely performed original Viennese version of 1762 (after Ranieri de' Calzabigi) – with the conciliatory original ending, the famous “Viennese finale.”
Experience the ancient myth of Orpheus in its most comforting form: Cupid intervenes, the power of love triumphs over death, and Eurydice returns to Orpheus.
In a historically inspired performance practice, a touching musical theater unfolds between Baroque and Classical – clear, immediate, and deeply human, shaped by the spirit of sensitivity.
The crypt is pleasantly temperate in every season.
Practical Information
The 'Opera in the Crypt' series is a unique form of presenting opera at its very essence. With piano accompaniment, talented singers in costumes perform the works in the exceptional, intimate atmosphere of the crypt under St. Peter's Church. Through the short distance between audience and musicians you can experience opera in a way you have never heard or seen it before.
Program
- Christoph Willibald Gluck – Orpheus & Eurydice
Cast / Production
Ensemble Concordia Mundi
Orpheus: Hans‐Jörg Gaugelhofer
Eurydice/Amor: Alice Waginger
Director: Anna Borodina
Piano/harpsichord: Ineke Hellingman
Children's choir In höchsten Tönen!
Peterskirche
The Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church) is the second-oldest church in Vienna, founded around 800AD, if legend is to be believed. The present church was built in 1732 in the Baroque style, with Vienna's first baroque dome. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the interior is adorned with frescoes, sculptures, golden altarpieces and carved wood. Peterskirche is one of Vienna's busiest classical music venues, featuring a diverse program that includes daily organ concerts, operas, choral concerts and performances by prominent local and international artists. In addition to performances in the elegant main sanctuary, the Peterskirche also hosts concerts in the fascinating and intimate crypt below ground level.
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.
Address
Peterskirche, Petersplatz, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps
