Interdisziplinäres Opern-Projekt der HfK Bremen

Baroque Musical Splendor and Surrealist Modernism: An Interdisciplinary Opera Project in Hall 1

The HfK Bremen invites you to an extraordinary double bill, “in which Baroque sonic splendor and Surrealist modernism mirror and reinforce one another,” according to director Ansgar Weigner. Well over 100 students are involved in the production—on stage, off stage, and in between. The premiere is on July 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in Speicher XI A, Hall 1. Additional performances: July 10 and 11, 2026, both at 7:00 p.m., and July 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

In the first part, the Early Music Department, under the direction of Detlef Bratschke, presents the Baroque opera pastiche “Seven” featuring works by Henry Purcell —based on an idea by South African opera director Kobie van Rensburg. Ansgar Weigner weaves the arias and songs into an existential narrative. It shows, “with subtle humor and poignant tragedy, how fragile even seemingly stable friendships can become when comfort and help come to nothing.”

In the second part, the evening takes a radical leap into the modern era: The Classical Department of the HfK Bremen, together with the university’s large orchestra under the direction of An-Hoon Song, brings “Les mamelles de Tirésias” ( premiered in 1947) to the stage, an “opéra-bouffe” by Francis Poulenc. The work playfully and humorously subverts traditional gender roles, embodies the sociological theory of “doing gender,” and serves as a contemporary allusion to our queer, diverse societies. According to Weigner, the result is an evening “that makes us laugh, but also gives us food for thought. And it reminds us that musical theater doesn’t just tell stories, but constantly asks us anew how we want to live—and how we treat one another.”