A blind old man teaches surviving children music-making. In a hospital a touring production of an opera entitled “Love and Guilt” is given, which shortly before it ends, is subject to a bombardment which wipes out all involved, including the audience. But again, music shepherds in hope in this dark world and the opera ends with a choral apotheosis.

Music for the living

Theater Bonn Opera House

The main characters in Verdi’s reputed »accursed« opera are caught in a whirl of war and destruction. Don Alvaro in the process of eloping with Leonora is discovered by her father and Alvaro accidentally kills him. Before dying the father puts a curse on Leonora. Leonora’s brother Don Carlo resolves to pursue the two lovers and exact vengeance for his father’s murder. The characters over and over again try to evade their past, but it’s no use: the inexorable “forza del destino” (the power of fate) catches up with them.

The Power of Destiny (La forza del destino)

Tamino, a young prince, falls head over heels in love with the picture of the beautiful Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night. The Queen promises Tamino Pamina’s hand in marriage if he should succeed in freeing her from the clutches of majestic Sarastro. Tamino sets out with the amusing bird-catcher Papageno on a journey to the land of this mysterious ruler. The magic flute – a present from the Queen – will protect him on his way. The twosome together goes through a series of trials in which they are to maintain a vow of silence, prove themselves resolute and unwavering, and also demonstrate their courage.  While they oppose the forces of darkness, they learn the meaning of wisdom, friendship, and love.

The Magic Flute

At the turn of the year, Theater Bonn takes opera audiences to the land where the lemons bloom! In a colorful, varied program, guests and ensemble as well as the chorus and extra chorus of Theater Bonn present a glittering opera gala that combines the best of the rich tradition of bel canto and dramatic opera. Experience unforgettable arias, duets and ensembles from masterpieces by VINCENZO BELLINI, GIOACHINO ROSSINI, GAETANO DONIZETTI, GIACOMO PUCCINI, PIETRO MASCAGNI, GIUSEPPE VERDI - and a few surprises! The top soloists will bring the great emotions, passionate melodies and gripping stories of these works to life with impressive virtuosity and deep expression. An evening that will make the hearts of all opera lovers beat faster. No one will sleep!

Nobody sleeps!

How does one recognize a good song? Who decides on what basis it is to be judged?  Do you go by the opinion of the old masters, who insist that their own rules be followed to the letter, or by what you feel deep down in your heart, maybe a feeling of passionate love that you believe to contain some immediate truth? Is there perhaps a golden mean?

Ralf Rachbauer

Events

Past events

Jun 1 - Jul 10, 2025

Music for the living · Theater Bonn

19 - 26 Apr, 2025

The Power of Destiny (La forza del destino) · Theater Bonn

Future and recently performed repertoire

Trebuchet Mast in La forza del destino by Verdi

Theater Bonn

Second Priest in The Magic Flute by Mozart

Theater Bonn

Kunz Birdsong in The Mastersingers of Nuremberg by Wagner

Theater Bonn

About

Ralf Rachbauer hasn't added a bio