
After the failure of the 1848 revolution, Richard Wagner wrote Lohengrin, an opera about political tensions, social aspirations, and the failure of a utopian leader.
In Kasper Holten's spectacular new production at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the question looms: Is Lohengrin truly the hoped-for savior—or a dangerous promiser of salvation?
About the Plot
A nameless knight appears on a swan to defend the noble Elsa against false accusations—on the condition that she never asks about his origins. When Elsa breaks this promise, the knight reveals himself to be Lohengrin, son of Parsifal and Knight of the Grail. But this seals the lovers' fate—Lohengrin must leave, and Elsa is left broken.
Social Relevance
Wagner's Lohengrin, premiered in 1850, is considered one of his most discussed operas: In addition to its tragic love story, the work explores political themes such as the desire for charismatic leadership, a collective longing for redemption, and the dark side of blind trust – highly relevant in times of social crisis.
About the Production
Director Kasper Holten's interpretation focuses on a disoriented people hoping for redemption – and the dangers that arise when power meets mysticism. Lohengrin appears as an ambivalent figure, somewhere between a shining hero and an authoritarian symbol.
Cast and Musical Direction
- Conductor: Marc Albrecht
- Director: Kasper Holten
- Featuring: Byung Gil Kim, Attilio Glaser, Flurina Stucki, Egils Silins, Nina Stemme, Dean Murphy, and others
- Duration: approx. 4 hours 30 minutes / Two intermissions
- in German with German and English subtitles
Additional information
Romantic opera in three acts
First performed on 28th August, 1850 at Weimar
Premiered at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on 15th April 2012
Introduction (in German language): 45 minutes before beginning; Rang-Foyer
First performed on 28th August, 1850 at Weimar
Premiered at the Deutsche Oper Berlin on 15th April 2012
Introduction (in German language): 45 minutes before beginning; Rang-Foyer
Participating artists
Marc Albrecht (Musikalische Leitung)
Kasper Holten (Inszenierung)
Steffen Aarfing (Bühne, Kostüme)
Jesper Kongshaug (Licht)
Jeremy Bines (Chöre)
Byung Gil Kim (Heinrich der Vogler)
Attilio Glaser (Lohengrin)
Flurina Stucki (Elsa von Brabant)
Egils Silins (Friedrich von Telramund)
Nina Stemme (Ortrud)
Dean Murphy (Der Heerrufer des Königs)
Michael Dimovski (1. Brabantischer Edler)
Chance Jonas-O'Toole (2. Brabantischer Edler)
Navasard Hakobyan (3. Brabantischer Edler)
Benjamin Dickerson (4. Brabantischer Edler)
Stephanie Lloyd (1. Edelknabe)
Angelika Nolte (2. Edelknabe)
Kristina Griep (3. Edelknabe)
Saskia Klumpp (4. Edelknabe)
Chor der Deutschen Oper Berlin (Chöre)
Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin (Orchester)