200 Years of Konzerthaus Berlin & Der Freischütz

The bicentennials of the Konzerthaus and Weber’s “Freischütz” are celebrated with a spectacular new production by La Fura dels Baus on 18 June 2021.

The Catalan theater company La Fura dels Baus is acclaimed worldwide for its avant-garde opera productions. Exactly 200 years after the premiere of Weber's "Freischütz" in the present day Konzerthaus Berlin, their interpretation of this romantic opera takes them deep into the German forest. To the German Romantics of the late 18th century, the forest was an important symbol of unity and purity. The word "Waldeinsamkeit" describes a feeling of inner peace that can be found in the forest. In Weber's "Freischütz," the forest plays a central role, both in terms of being primitive as well as being haunting and frightening. Unfortunately, forests and their entire ecosystems are dying. Climate change and human interference are wiping them out, through heat, droughts, fires, termite infestations and fungal infestations.

In their new production of "Freischütz," La Fura dels Baus delves deep into this troubling ecological-social issue. The Great Hall at the Konzerthaus becomes a myth-filled installation where the audience sits in the clearing of the forest – a 360-degree experience for all the senses. It's a journey to the roots of opera, where the history and reality of the forest and the Konzerthaus Berlin bring "Freischütz" to life anew.

Carl Maria von Weber
DER FREISCHÜTZ

La Fura dels Baus
Konzerthausorchester Berlin
Rundfunkchor Berlin
Christoph Eschenbach

with
Jeanine De Bique, Anna Prohaska, Benjamin Bruns, Christof Fischesser, Franz Hawlata, Viktor Rud, Mikhail Timoshenko

A production of Accentus Music in coproduction with NHK and rbb/Arte.
Livestream: June 18, 2021

Production Company Accentus Music GmbH
Co-Production Company NHK
Co-Production Company rbb/Arte
TV Director Michael Beyer
Orchestra / Band Konzerthausorchester Berlin
Conductor Christoph Eschenbach
Choir Rundfunkchor Berlin
Orchestra / Band La Fura dels Baus