Die Fledermaus

»Die Fledermaus« is THE music for an effervescent New Year’s celebration! This year, the classic operetta about the champagne-fuelled festivities at Prinz Orlofsky’s palace comes to the Elbphilharmonie for the first time. The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is conducted by someone who knows Viennese operetta like the back of his hand: Manfred Honeck made his debut at Vienna’s Volksoper with »Die Fledermaus«.

One special reason for the popularity of this work is the part of the jailer Frosch, who – traditionally played by a comedian – launches into a lively, improvised tirade of social criticism at the beginning of the Third Act. This role is performed at the Elbphilharmonie by the impressive Caroline Peters. Recently named Actress of the Year, she has been demonstrating her hilarious comedy talent for years in TV shows such as ARD’s »Mord mit Aussicht«.

Manfred Honeck, as former director of music at the Stuttgart State Opera and now principal conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, has performed Strauss’s piece numerous times in different theatres. Tonight he portrays the »irresponsible merriment that shows how upside-down the world is« (Karl Kraus) with the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, a line-up of talented singer-actors and the NDR Chor. Cheers and a Happy New Year!