Lydia Steier is directing the opera "Echo 72. Israel in Munich", a commissioned work by the Staatsoper Hannover.
The 1972 Olympic Games in Munich were supposed to be a joyful celebration of sport in the name of peace. But disaster struck before the eyes of the world. Eleven Israeli athletes were murdered. Germany was unable to protect its guests.
The opera Echo 72: Israel in Munich was commissioned by the Hanover State Opera and is produced by an extraordinary and experienced production team. The libretto is by Roland Schimmelpfennig, one of the most frequently performed playwrights of our time, who most recently attracted attention with his series of adaptations of ancient dramas under the title Anthropolis at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg. The works of composer and percussionist Michael Wertmüller have premiered at the Lucerne Festival, the Hamburg State Opera, and the Ruhrtriennale. His music combines emotional directness and fascinating rhythm. Echo 72: Israel in Munich is directed by Lydia Steier, whose productions of The Marriage of Figaro (Hanover) and La Vestale (Paris) have previously been seen on OperaVision. Titus Engel, renowned conductor and expert in contemporary music, is responsible for the musical direction of this important new opera, which will be broadcast live here on the opening night. Based on the historic events of 1972 , Echo 72: Israel in Munich promises to be a powerful warning against the consequences of hatred and ignorance, as well as a stirring plea for dialogue and humanity. (OPERA VISION)