Yoel Gamzou conducts the new production of "Der Freischütz" at the Hamburg State Opera

"Der Freischütz," a successful piece of German Romantic opera, leads its protagonists into a dark night of despair: the huntsman's boy Max and the forester's daughter Agathe. Surrounded by a society that cultivates traditions and demands rules, guided by supernatural powers, they seek their path to happiness. Weber discovered the material for this opera in an old book about ghosts. With its premiere in 1821, he captured the spirit of the times, and even today, the story of Max, who swears himself to the devil in order to win his bride, touches on primal human fears.

The forest, the epitome of the "German soul," becomes a battleground between good and evil. With gripping emotion, Weber's music portrays the people's needs and longings, fervently evoking the hope for a happy ending. A romantic drama and folk play in one, Der Freischütz, situated somewhere between dream and nightmare, continues to fascinate audiences today.

PREMIERE ON November 17, 2024

further performances on 20/23/27/29 November and 3/5 December 2024

Musical Director: Yoel Gamzou
Directed by Andreas Kriegenburg
Stage: Harald B. Thor
Costumes: Andrea Schraad
Lighting: Andreas Grüter
Dramaturgy: Angela Beuerle
Choreography: Volker Michl

(Source: Hamburg State Opera )