Fidelio - Schedule, Program & Tickets

Text Joseph Sonnleithner & Georg Friedrich Treitschke


Musical direction
Axel Kober

Directing
Otto Schenk

Stage designed by
Günther Schneider-Siemssen

Costumes
Leo Bei

Don Fernando
Martin Häßler

Don Pizarro
Jochen Schmeckenbecher

Florestan
Brandon Jovanovich

Leonore
Anja Kampe

Rocco
Christof Fischesser

Marzelline
Slávka Zámečníková

Jaquino
Daniel Jenz


Contents

Prehistory

The governor of a Spanish state prison, Don Pizarro, leads a reign of terror in his institution. Innocent people become political victims of his brutal attacks. Don Florestan from Seville wants to clear up these arbitrary acts, but falls into the hands of the violent man himself. He has been languishing in inhuman solitary confinement for over two years. His friends think he's dead, only his wife Leonore doesn't say the missing person is lost. Since she thinks Florestan is in captivity, she hires herself out to jailer Rocco as a jailer. Dressed in men's clothes and under the name Fidelio, she does heavy work, earns the trust of her boss and even wins the love of his daughter Marzelline.

First act

The porter Jacquino tries in vain to get Marzelline's attention. Since Fidelio has been in the house, she hasn't listened to his wooing. Fidelio-Leonore returns from errands in Seville. Rocco is once again impressed by the skill and sense of duty of his new assistant: soon Fidelio and Marzelline are to become a couple. Marzelline and Rocco dream of a comfortable future, Jacquino sees his prospects dwindling, Fidelio-Leonore dreads the uncertainty. Then Don Pizarro appears. He learns from a confidential letter that the minister is on the trail of his abuse of office: a surprising visit is intended to finally convict him. Pizarro reacts promptly: a guard watches the main street, a trumpet call is supposed to announce the visit. Florestan, the most prominent victim, must be eliminated as soon as possible. Since Rocco refuses to kill, the governor will do the deed himself. The jailer should only dig a grave in the dungeon beforehand. Marzelline and Fidelio-Leonore ask Rocco for a short exit for the lighter prisoners. The prisoners enjoy the warm spring sun full of joy - Fidelio-Leonore looks in vain for a familiar face. Rather, she is dismayed to learn of Rocco's new assignment and wants to share his hard work in the dungeon: will she help her husband prepare his grave? Outraged, Pizarro noticed the prisoners' walk and accepts no justification. Only the urgent assassination plan against Florestan prevents severe sanctions.

Second act

In the dungeon, the exhausted Florestan ponders his fate. His situation seems hopeless to him, only the knowledge that his duty has been fulfilled consoles him. In an ecstatic vision, he feels transported to heavenly freedom by an angel with the features of Leonore. Rocco and Fidelio-Leonore laboriously uncover a cistern. Florestan finally finds out who runs this prison and wants to have his wife in Seville informed. Fidelio-Leonore now knows for sure who she is dealing with. A little refreshment with bread and wine seems to be Florestan's last joy, because Pizarro is already approaching. But when he strikes the deadly blow, Fidelio-Leonore stands in front of the prisoners: "First kill his wife!" She holds a pistol in front of the pursuer when the trumpet signal sounds. The minister's arrival heralds a change: liberation for the oppressed, punishment for the oppressor. Pizarro rushes out of the dungeon, Rocco renounces his old master, Leonore and Florestan happily fall into each other's arms. - The people and the prisoners greet the minister, Don Fernando, expectantly on the parade ground in front of the castle. On behalf of the king, he announces general amnesty and the end of political despotism. In Florestan he recognizes his friend who has been declared dead. Leonore is allowed to loosen the chains of the long humiliated, Pizarro is arrested. The liberated jubilation is for the reunited couple, a praise celebrates the faithful love. "It will never be sung too highly, be the husband's savior!"



Subject to change.