OPERA STRAUSS ARIADNE AUF NAXOS
The richest man in Vienna is treating his guests to a spectacular celebration. For the occasion, he has commissioned a new opera seria, Ariadne auf Naxos. On the evening of the premiere, the composer discovers to his horror that he has to share the bill with a buffet, a comedy and a fireworks display. And as if that weren’t bad enough, the host introduces a change of plan: because the fireworks have to start on time, the tragedy and comedy are to be performed, not one after the other, but simultaneously! In this highly original opera, ‘high’ and ‘low’ art thus compete for the audience’s attention.
After her triumphant debut with Fanny and Alexander, conductor Ariane Matiakh now interprets Richard Strauss’s delicately balanced score, which includes a solo role for every musician. Director Mariusz Treliński shifts the plot to the future where, on the planet Naxos, the lonely Ariadne unexpectedly receives company …