Erlösung

Of two who set out to find redemption: In a mythical, medieval world, Parsifal discovers that true fulfillment and healing are only possible through compassion and unconditional love. In his stage consecration festival Parsifal , Richard Wagner celebrates the pursuit of true knowledge as a means of saving the human soul.

In the milieu of crime and prostitution, on the other hand - the setting of Béla Bartók's dance pantomime The Miraculous Mandarin - a mysterious Chinese man only finds redemption and peace through love. The premiere of Bartók's probably most uncompromising masterpiece in Cologne in 1926 became a theatrical scandal - and at the same time a scandal with regard to the freedom of art: the mayor of Cologne at the time, Konrad Adenauer, banned further performances. Today, The Miraculous Mandarin is one of the great, pioneering compositions of the 20th century. Andrés Orozco-Estrada and an exquisite ensemble of soloists embark on a journey through worlds of darkness and light.

Program

Béla Bartók
The Miraculous Mandarin op. 19, Sz. 73
Dance pantomime in one act
1918/26

Richard Wagner
Parsifal WWV 111
3rd act
1877-82

Cast

Sebastian Kohlhepp tenor (Parsifal)
Jordan Shanahan baritone (Amfortas)
Georg Zeppenfeld Bass (Gurnemanz)
Cologne Opera Chorus
Andrés Orozco-Estrada Conductor